Editing Uvula (section)

==Clinical significance==

===Inflammation===
[[File:Swollen Uvula.jpg|thumb|340x340px|A swollen uvula with additional upper mouth ulcer in a run-down adult (common cold)]]
At times, the [[mucous membrane]] around the uvula may [[Swelling (medical)|swell]], causing the uvula to expand 3–5 times its normal size. This condition is known as uvulitis. When the uvula touches the throat or tongue, it can cause sensations like gagging or choking, although there is no foreign matter present.  This can cause problems with breathing, talking, and eating.

There are many theories about what causes the uvula to swell, including [[dehydration]] (e.g. from arid weather); excessive [[tobacco smoking|smoking]] or other inhaled irritants; [[snoring]]; [[allergic reaction]]; or a [[virus|viral]] or [[bacterial infection]]. An [[aphthous ulcer]] which has formed on the uvula can also cause swelling and discomfort.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Biblo LA, Gilbert IA|date=May 1983|title=Aphthous ulcer of the uvula and the painful burp|journal=N. Engl. J. Med.|volume=308|issue=19|pages=1168|doi=10.1056/NEJM198305123081922|pmid=6835348}}</ref>

If the swelling is caused by dehydration, drinking fluids may improve the condition. If the cause is a bacterial infection, [[gargling]] salt water may help.  However, it can also be a sign of other problems.  Some people with a history of recurring uvulitis carry an [[epinephrine autoinjector]] to counteract symptoms of an attack. A swollen uvula is not normally life-threatening and subsides in a short time, typically within a day.

===Snoring and sleep apnea===
The uvula can also contribute to [[snoring]] or heavy breathing during sleep; having an elongated uvula can cause vibrations that lead to snoring. In some cases this can lead to [[sleep apnea]], which may be treated by removal of the uvula or part of it if necessary, an operation known as [[uvulopalatopharyngoplasty]] (commonly referred to as UPPP, or UP3). However, this operation can also cause sleep apnea if [[scar]] tissue forms and the airspace in the velopharynx is decreased. The success of UPPP as a treatment for sleep apnea is unknown, but some research has shown 40–60% effectiveness in reducing symptoms.<ref name="upppstat">{{cite web
  | last = Lehnert
  | first = Paul
  | title = Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea
  | date = 3 August 2005
  | url = http://www.webmd.com/hw/sleep_disorders/hw48958.asp#ug3207
  | access-date = 26 October 2006 }}</ref>  Typically apnea subsides for the short term, but returns over the medium to long term, and sometimes is worse than it was before the UPPP.{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}}

===Velopharyngeal insufficiency===
In a small number of people, the uvula does not close properly against the back of the throat, causing a condition known as [[velopharyngeal insufficiency]]. This causes "nasal" (or more properly "hyper-nasal") speech, where extra air comes down the nose, and the speaker is unable to say certain consonants, such as pronouncing {{IPAblink|b}} like {{IPAblink|m}}.

===Nasal regurgitation===
During swallowing, the soft palate and the uvula move superiorly to close off the [[nasopharynx]], preventing food from entering the [[nasal cavity]]. When this process fails, the result is called ''nasal regurgitation''. It is common in people with [[Velopharyngeal insufficiency|VPI]], the [[Myositis|myositides]], and [[neuromuscular disease]]. Regurgitation of fluids in this way may also occur if a particularly high volume of liquid is regurgitated, or during vigorous coughing, for example being caused by the accidental inhalation of water.  Due to the action of coughing preventing the uvula from blocking the nasopharynx, liquid may be expelled back through the nose.