A bifid uvula (split uvula) is when there’s a fork or split in the tiny ball of flesh that hangs at the back of your throat. On its own, a split uvula doesn’t cause symptoms and isn’t a health concern. But it can be a sign of other, more serious issues, like a submucous cleft palate.
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A bifid uvula, also called a split uvula, is when there’s a split or fork in your uvula. This is the tiny, teardrop-shaped ball of flesh that hangs at the back of your throat. A bifid uvula is a congenital disorder, meaning you’re born with it. And it’s common. About 2 out of 100 babies in the U.S. have a bifid uvula.
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This condition isn’t serious. But it may be a sign of another health issue.
Healthcare providers classify this condition by the size of the split or fork:
A bifid uvula doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong. Some people are just born with a naturally split uvula. But a bifid uvula may be a sign of an underlying condition, like a submucous cleft palate or velopharyngeal insufficiency.
The most obvious symptom is a split in your child’s uvula. You may notice it when your baby yawns and you can see the back of their throat. Or a healthcare provider may spot it during a routine checkup. Providers may check for a bifid uvula if your baby has symptoms of associated conditions, including:
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This is a congenital disorder that happens during fetal development. Certain factors may increase the chance your baby will have it. These include:
Your child’s healthcare provider may diagnose it during a routine wellness check. They’d spot the split uvula while looking in your child’s mouth.
Your child may not need treatment unless they have a related condition, like a submucous cleft palate. In that case, they may have cleft palate surgery.
You should talk to a pediatrician if your baby has difficulty nursing or if liquid comes out of their nose when they nurse. Older children have different symptoms. Contact a provider for a checkup if your child’s voice is very nasal or you notice air escapes from their nose when they talk.
That depends on your child’s situation. Most children don’t need treatment if they don’t have a related condition. Your child’s healthcare provider will discuss treatment options and recommend the one that’s right for your child.
It’s common for a baby to be born with a split in the tiny ball of flesh hanging at the back of their throat. And on its own, a bifid uvula isn’t a serious health issue. But it can be a symptom of conditions that affect your child’s health.
If your child has a bifid uvula, their healthcare provider may check for those other conditions. They’ll explain how any other diagnosis may affect your child and walk you through treatments that can help.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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