Edema of the uvula: etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
Edema of the uvula (EU) is a rare occurrence sometimes associated with angioedema, urticaria, and anaphylaxis. We analyze the causes, predisposing factors, and characteristics of EU in a group of 58 patients with a mean (SD) age of 48.2 (15.2) years over the course of a year. Of the 58 patients studied, 49 (84.5%) were male and 44 (75.9%) presented isolated EU. Thirty-two patients (55.1%) with no clear etiology were classed as idiopathic. Snoring and a high body mass index were more prevalent in these patients. A variety of probable causes were identified in 26 patients (44.9%). In this group, EU was usually accompanied by urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis and there was also a greater prevalence of atopy. We found that EU was idiopathic in just over half of the patients studied and that the predisposing factors were being overweight and having a tendency to snore. Patients with EU should be tested for allergies to drugs, airborne allergens, and food.
Allergy Unit, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain. evaalcoceba@hotmail.com
E
E
Alcoceba
M
M
Gonzalez
P
P
Gaig
E
E
Figuerola
T
T
Auguet
M
M
Olona
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014609:Uvula