Swollen uvula, sore throat

**Billiard Pete** · 07-31-2013, 12:03

Does this happen to you, and if so, what do you do for it? I mean when you are out hammocking exposed to the elements (pollen)...

**DoctaD** · 07-31-2013, 13:09

Well, you've got to find out what's causing it, then treat appropriately.
If allergies, then treat with antihistamines (eg: Allegra, Claritin, etc) and possibly Nasal Corticosteroids.
If nasal congestion causing mouth breathing, then perhaps a Nasal decongestant such as Pseudoephedrine. A topical decongestant can be use temporarily (a few days).
If Acid Reflux, then acid reducing agents such as H2 Blocker (eg: Zantac Pepsid, Aciphex, or Tagamet) and or PPI (eg: Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix, Dexilant). Liquid Antacid (eg: Maalox or Mylanta) may buffer acid in stomach prior to lying down. Avoid Liquids for an hour or so before lying down. Sleep with head elevated above stomach.
If infection...well, see your doctor. :-)
Symptomatic treatment with Lozenges, Spray, OTC analgesics (eg: tylenol or ibuprofen)

**egrant5329** · 07-31-2013, 13:24

He's probably snoring so loud it keeps the other campers awake on the other side of the mountain!

Those breathe right strips help a little, especially in combination with the medications.

If all that fails, late fall and winter camping are awesome!

**Ratdog** · 07-31-2013, 14:01

Get a cpap

**Klaussinator** · 07-31-2013, 14:02

Originally Posted by egrant5329

He's probably snoring so loud it keeps the other campers awake on the other side of the mountain!

Yupp, ask me how I know...
Have dealt with a swollen uvula maybe half a dozen times in my life, and have traced a few of those to snoring issues. The other times --- ???? No fun regardless.

I snore in a hammock if I don't use a neck pillow. Also will wake up with a sore neck and a headache. But with a pillow, all is well!

-Klauss

**jcall1975** · 07-31-2013, 14:05

Originally Posted by Ratdog

Get a cpap

I am afraid Ratdog is probably right.

**angrysparrow** · 07-31-2013, 14:09

I've had a swollen uvula a couple of times, both attributable to sleeping in cold conditions with my nose/mouth uncovered. I think it's about the cold and lack of moisture in the air. After I started pulling a buff (or a fleece neck gaiter) over my face when sleeping in the hammock in the cold, no more issues. It seems to retain just enough of the heat and moisture from my breath that it doesn't happen any longer.

I know it's probably not the OP's issue here, given that it's summertime. Might be worth remembering though.

**XTrekker** · 07-31-2013, 14:15

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

I've had a swollen uvula a couple of times, both attributable to sleeping in cold conditions with my nose/mouth uncovered. I think it's about the cold and lack of moisture in the air. After I started pulling a buff (or a fleece neck gaiter) over my face when sleeping in the hammock in the cold, no more issues. It seems to retain just enough of the heat and moisture from my breath that it doesn't happen any longer.

I know it's probably not the OP's issue here, given that it's summertime. Might be worth remembering though.

Had the exact same problem and my buff solved the issue.. Also helps keep some of the moisture off the TQ. I have a large wool Beanie that I sometimes pull down over my face that also does the trick.

**BER** · 07-31-2013, 14:56

Originally Posted by DoctaD

Well, you've got to find out what's causing it, then treat appropriately.
If allergies, then treat with antihistamines (eg: Allegra, Claritin, etc) and possibly Nasal Corticosteroids.
If nasal congestion causing mouth breathing, then perhaps a Nasal decongestant such as Pseudoephedrine. A topical decongestant can be use temporarily (a few days).
If Acid Reflux, then acid reducing agents such as H2 Blocker (eg: Zantac Pepsid, Aciphex, or Tagamet) and or PPI (eg: Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix, Dexilant). Liquid Antacid (eg: Maalox or Mylanta) may buffer acid in stomach prior to lying down. Avoid Liquids for an hour or so before lying down. Sleep with head elevated above stomach.
If infection...well, see your doctor. :-)
Symptomatic treatment with Lozenges, Spray, OTC analgesics (eg: tylenol or ibuprofen)

As another doctor on the forum, I find this to be sound advice. Unless you have documented snoring and sleep apnea, a CPAP is not going to be a benefit to you. If you think it is from cold or dry air, then angrysparrow's suggestion may be beneficial. Talking to your doctor, who can ask you more specific questions and examine you, will likely be more beneficial than any advice you get on an Internet forum.