An isolated Uvulitis, or edema of the uvula is infrequently reported.¹ This condition sometimes develops as a consequence of anaphylaxis and angioedema. In nearly half of cases, no etiology is apparent.

The present study examines the case of a 12-year-old girl, admitted with an inability to speak or swallow saliva. The symptoms developed over several hours prior to her admission. In the evening, she experienced gagging and vomiting. The patient provided a history of unable to swallow saliva and drooling large amounts, no pain in the throat or difficulty breathing. The examination revealed a swelling in the back of her throat. The findings are consistent with the diagnosis of uvulitis. Interestingly, the patient had dyed her hair prior to developing her symptoms. She was initially treated with IV dexamethasone in the emergency department and two additional doses were provided in the ward. The patient was also started on intravenous co-amoxiclav and intravenous fluid because of the difficulty swallowing and was subsequently seen by the ENT team. Her symptoms improve overnight and eventually, she was discharged home on oral Phenoxymethylpenicillin with a follow-up.

Overall, the case is interesting on two levels- it highlights this uncommonly reported disorder with the potential for significant morbidity. Additionally, the physician should be cautious in attributing dysphagia or respiratory distress to uvulitis alone, because of the recognized association with epiglottitis^{2 3} or allergy.⁴

Future research should focus on assessing the causes of uvulitis as well as the diverse symptoms that may be experienced by patients in response to this infection.

References

1. Uvilitis in three children: Etiology and respiratory distress, Victor Aquino, MD, Thomas E. Paediatric emergency care, August 1992.

2. Jerrard D.A., and Olshaker J.: Simultaneous uvulitis and epiglottitis without fever or leukocytosis. Am J Emerg Med 1996;14:551–552.

3. Lathadevi H.T., Karadi R.N., Thobbi R.V., et al: Isolated uvulitis: an uncommon but not a rare clinical entity. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;57: 139–140.

4. Strome M (Editor): differential diagnosis in Paediatric otolaryngology. Boston, Little Brown&Co, 1975, P 110.