Swollen Uvula Causes
5. Allergic Angioedema
Angioedema is loosely defined as the swelling of the skin or submucosal tissues due to increased vascular permeability. In short, tiny blood vessels in the skin and mucosa develop an increased capacity to allow the passage of fluids through their walls, causing the swelling of the tissues involved. This process is usually mediated by compounds involved in immune responses such as histamine and/or bradykinin. Acute angioedema usually presents as the swelling of the lip, eyes, and face; nevertheless, it can affect other parts of the body. Specifically, in the mouth, massive tongue and uvular swelling can be common. Furthermore, the involvement of the larynx can be life-threatening because it can impair breathing.
The causes of angioedema can be allergic or hereditary. Common allergic causes include food allergies (i.e. peanuts, shellfish), stinging insects (i.e. bee sting), latex, and antibiotics. If you or a person you know is having a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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