[Uvular edema. Diagnostic, etiologic and therapeutic management]

Acute oedema of the uvula is relatively rare, and often idiopathic. None the less, possible causes should be excluded, such as allergy, infection, trauma or mechanical. Hereditary angioneurotic oedema should be excluded when there are identical recurrent episodes. Although three of our patients had a recent herpetic viral infection, it does not seem likely that this was the cause. Treatment consists mainly or antihistamines, steroids, antibiotics, or specific treatment for hereditary angioneurotic oedema. The clinician must always bear in mind the potential seriousness or this condition as a cause of obstruction of the upper airway. In the light of four recent cases, the authors discuss the diagnosis, cause and treatment of this particular condition.