Quincke's disease of the uvula

Abstract

Upper airway compromise may be the result of numerous factors, among which a swollen uvula should be considered in the differential diagnosis. We present a case of a 21-year-old man who presented with complaints of throat discomfort, altered voice, and tachypnea secondary to acute uvular edema. The patient was treated with sympathomimetic drugs both by injection and by inhalation with complete resolution of the swelling and his symptoms within 30 minutes. The uvula is a potential cause of upper airway obstruction and should be examined in persons presenting with airway-related complaints.