Symptoms

A swelling of the palate is mainly characterized by difficulty in swallowing, since the palate is involved in every swallowing process. So, on the one hand, the chyme is transported into the rear area of the oral cavity by pressing the tongue against the hard palate. And on the other hand, by lifting the two soft palate sails, the nasopharynx is closed during the act of swallowing.

If the palate is strongly swollen, it can come with each swallowing to strong pain and functional disturbances. An inflammatory swelling of the palate usually leads to severe pain in the palate and sore throat, which can radiate into the ear due to the proximity to surrounding nerves and the parotid gland. An allergic swelling of the palate can be accompanied by severe itching.

A very large, swollen palate may even obstruct the airways, which is a life-threatening emergency. Swallowing difficulties always occur with a swollen palate, as the palate is significantly involved in every act of swallowing. In the case of an inflammatory swelling of the palate, the main focus is on the pain when swallowing, which can also radiate into the ear.

Since the tissue in the throat area becomes very irritated and sensitive to pain, it is recommended to avoid spicy, strongly seasoned, crumbly food and very hot drinks. It is better to avoid hot teas or cold drinks, as well as mild porridge and pureed soups, in order not to further irritate the tissue.It is also important to keep the mucous membranes always nice and moist, by drinking a lot to accelerate regeneration and wound healing. Like swallowing, sore throats are often accompanied by an inflammatory swelling of the palate.

Due to the inflammation, the surrounding tissue is highly irritated, sensitive to pain and swells up. Warm teas, for example peppermint tea or chamomile tea, but also throat pain tablets, which can be purchased over the counter from pharmacies, can help against sore throats. If, in addition to the sore throat, very high fever, severe hoarseness, or a “klosige” language occurs, a doctor should be consulted without fail, as it could be a bacterial inflammation, which should be treated with antibiotics.