Question 1

i am 28 years old & female. i have a deviated uvula. i have only just noticed it. i have a recent diagnosis of early stage breast cancer so i'm jumpy. is it likely to be a normal thing or caused by a tumor? no issues with swallowing/ talking etc?

Accepted Answer

: Usually all abnormal findings in patients with cancer are assumed to be related to cancer until proven otherwise. In your case an ENT or ORL exam will be needed as well as brain imaging that is somewhat standard in breast cancer staging ( you might have had it already). Connecting with your primary care doc might help in case your deviated uvula was noted on exam before the cancer diagnosis.

Question 2

my 19 month old son has deviated uvula. could this be a sign of something worth investigating? does it interfere with his speech (he says v few words)

Accepted Answer

Deviated uvula: your son may have a palsy of the ninth cranial or glossopharngeal nerve. An evaluation by a pediatric neurologist or a pediatric oral surgeon may be in order. It could possibly affect your child's speech

Question 3

my uvula is deviated to the left, could this be serious? could i have a tumor impinging my vagus nerve? i don't have any other symptoms.

Accepted Answer

You're fine: I see that you are a first year medical student. Deviation of the uvula is a marker for a cranial nerve palsy, but when you eventually see it in real life, it's spectacular and the movements of the other throat muscles are obviously abnormal. Few uvulas are truly straight. You'll also learn that you have palpable lymph nodes in your neck that may not be in the anatomy book -- they're okay too.

Question 4

my child has a deviated uvula and is 6 years old . he speaks fine but do i do need to consult a doctor ?

Accepted Answer

: It may be a congenital finding, but it is also associated with certain infections, post nasal drip and allergic inflammation potentially. Watch for signs of acute illness.

Question 5

what are partial uvula removal long term side effects? have mild sleep apnea, ent recommends this surgery as well as fixing deviated septum.

Accepted Answer

Rare: but you can expect a sore throat and there is always a chance of infection.; This surgery is a common intervention for OSA and generally consider safe. Having said that, surgery always carrues risks and you must sign an informed consent which will outline possible side effects.

Question 6

i had surgery to fix my deviated septum, prior to surgery i did not snore, post op i am snoring badly, i do not have the symptoms of sleep apnea, unfortunately my ent just wants to cut the uvula. can this be a complication as a result of surgery?

Accepted Answer

Sleep apnea: Snoring and sleep apnea usually improve after a nasal septoplasty. I had one many years ago. Snoring can be associated with swelling of the nasal membrane even after the surgery. This may be partly due to increased air flow. I would try an OTC steroid nasal spray and give it several weeks to see if it helps.

Question 7

what can i do about mouth breathing and deviated septum?

Accepted Answer

Deviated septum: A deviated septum is not an uncommon problem. It can lead to nasal obstruction, snoring and even sinus issues. You only need surgery if you are having symptoms.Be sure to have your nose evaluated by a board certified otolaryngologist.

Question 8

pressure in face, nose, upper mouth when bending over. no sinus drainage. could it still be sinusitis? i have a deviated septum, could that cause it?

Accepted Answer

Sinusitis likely: One can have a collection of mucus within the sinuses that are unable to drain leading to inflammation of the mucosal lining of the sinuses, and possibly bacterial  collection. Sinus pressure can occur due to lack of drainage and become exacerbated when bending over. Your history of a deviated septum could be adding to the difficulty with sinus drainage. See PCP for treatment.

Question 9

can having a deviated septum cause really bad post nasal drip? anytime i have a runny nose, the snot will fall to my mouth and i gag on it.

Accepted Answer

It can contribute: Are your symptoms affecting always 1 side more than the other? Are your symptoms getting worse?it may be that you suffer from a different condition in top of your deviated septum? Have you tried anything OTC- nasal saline? Either way you will probably need an ENT eval.

Question 10

nasal endoscopy or a pns x-ray is better to determine deviated nasal septum? my pns report shows no significant dns. but i am a chronic mouth breather since childhood. is nasal endoscopy required ? or  i can trust my pns reports.

Accepted Answer

Mouth breathing: especially in childhood is usually due to enlarged ADENOIDS. I would question this possibility!! . It sounds like your nasal septumhas nothing to do with it!

Hope this is helpful!
Dr Z

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Doctor answers about:

Differential diagnosis of deviated uvula

A member asked:

I am 28 years old & female. i have a deviated uvula. i have only just noticed it. i have a recent diagnosis of early stage breast cancer so i'm jumpy. is it likely to be a normal thing or caused by a tumor? no issues with swallowing/ talking etc?

A member asked:

My 19 month old son has deviated uvula. could this be a sign of something worth investigating? does it interfere with his speech (he says v few words)

A member asked:

My uvula is deviated to the left, could this be serious? could i have a tumor impinging my vagus nerve? i don't have any other symptoms.

A member asked:

My child has a deviated uvula and is 6 years old . he speaks fine but do i do need to consult a doctor ?

A member asked:

What are partial uvula removal long term side effects? have mild sleep apnea, ent recommends this surgery as well as fixing deviated septum.

A member asked:

I had surgery to fix my deviated septum, prior to surgery i did not snore, post op i am snoring badly, i do not have the symptoms of sleep apnea, unfortunately my ent just wants to cut the uvula. can this be a complication as a result of surgery?

A member asked:

What can i do about mouth breathing and deviated septum?

A member asked:

Pressure in face, nose, upper mouth when bending over. no sinus drainage. could it still be sinusitis? i have a deviated septum, could that cause it?

A member asked:

Can having a deviated septum cause really bad post nasal drip? anytime i have a runny nose, the snot will fall to my mouth and i gag on it.

A member asked:

Nasal endoscopy or a pns x-ray is better to determine deviated nasal septum? my pns report shows no significant dns. but i am a chronic mouth breather since childhood. is nasal endoscopy required ? or i can trust my pns reports.

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