Uvulitis (yoo-vyuh-LIE-tiss) is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the uvula. The uvula is the fleshy piece of tissue that hangs at the back of the throat. Kids with uvulitis usually have a sore throat. They may also have a fever, a cough, or a muffled voice, or they may say they feel like something is stuck in their throat. 

Treatment for uvulitis depends on the cause, but most kids feel better within a few days. You can help your child feel better while healing.

• If the health care provider prescribed medicine, give it as directed.
• Antibiotics treat uvulitis if it's caused by a bacterial infection. If your health care provider prescribed an antibiotic, be sure your child takes all the doses. This is the best way to kill the harmful bacteria.
• If your child has pain or fever, and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen, as it has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Encourage your child to drink lots of liquids and rest as needed.
• If swallowing solid food hurts, try serving liquids and soft foods like soups, milkshakes, smoothies, ice pops, or ice cream. Also, if your child is 5 years or older and not at risk for choking, it might be soothing for them to suck on ice chips or hard candy.

Your child:

• Can't take the medicine as directed
• Can't swallow any food or drinks
• Has severe pain or pain that is getting worse
• Has a fever that lasts longer than 3 days
• Isn't drinking at all or has signs of dehydration (not enough water in the body) such as a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, making less pee or darker than usual pee, or crying with little or no tears

Your child has signs that the swelling may be blocking the airway, such as:

• Not being able to talk
• Making a high-pitched noise when breathing in (called stridor)
• Having trouble getting a breath 
• Looking pale or bluish around the mouth

What causes uvulitis? Causes of uvulitis include:

• Infections from germs (bacteria or viruses)
• Allergic reactions
• An injury or surgery inside the mouth or throat
• Other medical conditions

Sometimes it's not clear what is causing uvulitis.

What is the treatment for uvulitis? Treatment for uvulitis depends on the cause and may include:

• Antibiotics (for uvulitis caused by bacteria)
• Rest, plenty of liquids, and medicine for pain and fever
• Medicines, such as antihistamines and steroids (for uvulitis caused by an allergic reaction)
• Surgery (to repair an injury to the uvula)