Question What to make of this odd ailment

[heftysmurf]

Ok...so first, ear infection not that odd. It's the uvulitis that's odd...To me. Figured others with a gnarly ear infection might've experienced it, so here goes.

Early/Mid-May, I had a cold. Not Covid. Just a cold from what 45 years has taught me. Cough sucked and was non-productive for about a week then got productive with the technicolor sputum. May 25th I felt good enough to dive but descending, I had trouble equalizing. Went up, back down, no joy. Tried one last time and I equalized but I heard a weird high pitched sound as it did. No other issues since. Dove the next day and the following two weekends. This past Sunday, I wake up with a lump in my throat. I figured it's because I didn't wear my CPAP and whatever. Dove the Spiegel Grove without issue. Wake up Monday and lump is still there and I look and my uvula is laying on my tongue like a blob fish.

I head to the nearest walk-in clinic and the nurse just said, "Here's some augmentin and a nasal spray". Ok...Whatever. I sat at home Monday and Tuesday and yesterday try to head to work but felt "off". Came home and asked my wife to take me to the ER JUST IN CASE it's some kind of sepsis. Chest x-ray: awesome. CBC: Awesome. BMP: Awesome. Left Ear: Tympanic membrane is injected, scarred and erythematous. Edema of the uvula noted. Sent home with a medrol dose pack and changed up to clindamycin.

Today I feel fine. Not sure if the edema of my uvula has gone down but then mom calls me at work and hears me and starts with the, "What if it's a brain eating amoeba from a lake? What if it's this or that?" I told her that I hoped that the ER would've recognized that. She also apparently forgot I am a hypochondriac in recovery! After thinking about it for a bit, I figured I'd make an appointment with an ENT to check out my ear at least and then give me the skinny on my uvula.

Whew! With all of that said, yes! I've heard ALL of the jokes thus far so we don't need to rehash those. My question to the smart folks on here, the docs, the shamans, and spirit guides....Have you ever had a swollen uvula due to an ear infection? Possible ear barotrauma causing uvulitis? Yes, I know I'm following up with docs -- just wanted to gather some anecdotes to maybe calm mom.

Me: 45, former smoker (been years since I smoked), exercise most days, no meds except for arthritis, solid health overall.

 

[chillyinCanada]

I've managed to burn mine drinking too hot liquids. Are you positive that your uvulitis is related to your rar infection? It could be a coincidence.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Ok...so first, ear infection not that odd. It's the uvulitis that's odd...To me. Figured others with a gnarly ear infection might've experienced it, so here goes.

Early/Mid-May, I had a cold. Not Covid. Just a cold from what 45 years has taught me. Cough sucked and was non-productive for about a week then got productive with the technicolor sputum. May 25th I felt good enough to dive but descending, I had trouble equalizing. Went up, back down, no joy. Tried one last time and I equalized but I heard a weird high pitched sound as it did. No other issues since. Dove the next day and the following two weekends. This past Sunday, I wake up with a lump in my throat. I figured it's because I didn't wear my CPAP and whatever. Dove the Spiegel Grove without issue. Wake up Monday and lump is still there and I look and my uvula is laying on my tongue like a blob fish.

I head to the nearest walk-in clinic and the nurse just said, "Here's some augmentin and a nasal spray". Ok...Whatever. I sat at home Monday and Tuesday and yesterday try to head to work but felt "off". Came home and asked my wife to take me to the ER JUST IN CASE it's some kind of sepsis. Chest x-ray: awesome. CBC: Awesome. BMP: Awesome. Left Ear: Tympanic membrane is injected, scarred and erythematous. Edema of the uvula noted. Sent home with a medrol dose pack and changed up to clindamycin.

Today I feel fine. Not sure if the edema of my uvula has gone down but then mom calls me at work and hears me and starts with the, "What if it's a brain eating amoeba from a lake? What if it's this or that?" I told her that I hoped that the ER would've recognized that. She also apparently forgot I am a hypochondriac in recovery! After thinking about it for a bit, I figured I'd make an appointment with an ENT to check out my ear at least and then give me the skinny on my uvula.

Whew! With all of that said, yes! I've heard ALL of the jokes thus far so we don't need to rehash those. My question to the smart folks on here, the docs, the shamans, and spirit guides....Have you ever had a swollen uvula due to an ear infection? Possible ear barotrauma causing uvulitis? Yes, I know I'm following up with docs -- just wanted to gather some anecdotes to maybe calm mom.

Me: 45, former smoker (been years since I smoked), exercise most days, no meds except for arthritis, solid health overall.

Your description of the TM is consistent with barotrauma. How did they explain the scarring? Did you have PE tubes when you were younger? And, you mentioned ear infection - was that confirmed?

I doubt that the uvulitis led to the barotrauma. More likely, the mucous membranes of the Eustachian tubes were inflamed related to the nearby infection which would have made it more difficult to equalize.

I'd recommend you refrain from diving until you're well and truly recovered, which could take several weeks. And, if this happens again, recommend you don't force the Valsalva to the point where you hear that squeak. Doing so puts you at risk of serious inner ear injury. Better to abort the dive.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[heftysmurf]

I've managed to burn mine drinking too hot liquids. Are you positive that your uvulitis is related to your rar infection? It could be a coincidence.

Not at all! Likely coincidental but weird how it all happened at once.

Your description of the TM is consistent with barotrauma. How did they explain the scarring? Did you have PE tubes when you were younger? And, you mentioned ear infection - was that confirmed?

No explanation. Unsure if I had tubes but had my tonsils out at 3 due to recurring infections so it's likely.
For the ear infection, doc said, "Oh Lord! This ear is infected. Other ear isn't but this one is rough."

I doubt that the uvulitis led to the barotrauma. More likely, the mucous membranes of the Eustachian tubes were inflamed related to the nearby infection which would have made it more difficult to equalize.

Makes tons of sense. I didn't think the uvulitis led to barotrauma though, I'm just curious if they might be connected. I've certainly never had uvulitis before so that took me over the edge!

Fun fact! Cleveland Clinic Florida is apparently "out of otolaryngologists" according to the appointment line as they all quit en masse with the exception of two and they're only doing surgeries. Soooo....My ENT search continues but holy smokes!

Nonetheless, thank you @chillyinCanada and @Duke Dive Medicine for your insight. I'm coming off the ledge that my uvulitis could be something insidious that rhymes with prancer.

 

[heftysmurf]

Figured I'd follow up with whomever might be concerned or in the event someone searches for ear and uvula!

Visited an ENT today who looked to be on the verge of giving birth any minute but she was SUPER awesome! Explained diving, sickness, squeaking, uvula, etc. She took a look at everything and ears are cleared up. Drum is happy. Nose, groovy. Uvula/soft palate super.

She mentioned that she is "super conservative" and if she was concerned, she would send me for the cornucopia of tests. Likely, upper respiratory/sinus, I wasn't fully recovered when I dove, slight barotrauma which got some gunk in there to cause an ear infection and likely drained to my uvula. CPAP though could've caused the uvula with some weird pressure change where it tugs on it.

Relieved. All clear to splash. Thanks chilly and DDM for the replies!