What might have caused this isolated uvular edema? What treatment options would you consider?

(Case and photo courtesy of Reena Julka, MD)

Hints
• On day 2 of hospitalization for recurrent acute pancreatitis, this man awoke with dysphagia and a markedly swollen, pendulous uvula that had no discharge or exudates.

• He had been vomiting repeatedly for 3 days.

• He had no stridor, wheezing, or gagging. The airway was patent; the edema was strictly confined to a midline.

• The tonsils, peritonsillar region, soft palate, and tongue were normal.

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