I Have Symptoms Including Breathlessness, Palpitations Have A Clear High Rising Epiglottis .

Posted on Wed, 21 Oct 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 Answered on

Mon, 26 May 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi there. I have a clear high rising epiglottis. I have seen 2 people and even called 111. I have been left with no advice and I wondered if this is something that will go away on its own or if I need some treatment. I noticed it as initially I thought it was tonsillitis so I checked my throat. I have symptoms including breathlessness, palpitations and a the feeling of something in my throat.

Answered by Dr. Naveen (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be Acute epiglottitis or laryngopharyngeal reflux

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

The enlarged epiglottis seen through the oral cavity could be the infection of the epiglottis known as Acute Epiglottitis.

It is very unusual to see a normal epiglottis in adults protruding into the throat. Whereas, it’s commonly seen in children.

Acute epiglottitis presents with fever, change of voice, difficulty in swallowing, etc. In the absence of these symptoms, an endoscopy of the larynx has to be done to check the actual cause of it.

Apart from that there is another condition called laryngopharygeal reflux, secondary to the acid reflux disease. This condition presents with the set of symptoms as described by you minus enlargement of the epiglottis.

Could you please let me know in detail about your issue so that I could help you in a better way.

1. Since how long do you have these symptoms?
2. When did you first notice the enlargement of the epiglottis?
3. Any symptoms of fever or painful swallowing?
4. Do you get frequent heart burns or burping?

I would be able to help you in a better way, if you could reply to the above queries.

Awaiting for your reply...

Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar