What Causes Loud Snoring While Suffering From Epiglottis?

Posted on Sun, 25 Oct 2015

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

Sun, 25 Oct 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I've seen multiple doctors and gone to the emergency room for this. I believe that my epiglottis has movef somehow from its normal position. It is located somewhere to the left of my left nostril. And I can sometimes feel it when I snore. The back part of my epiglottis is stuck outside of my throat. Ive explained this to many doctors and they all disagree with me and are diagnosing it as post nasal drip. Unfortunately haven't found a doctor who is willing to thoroughly check my throat. Please can you help me figure out how to get treatment. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need an ENT specialist for a detailed laryngoscopy

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!

Thanks for sharing your concerns. Can you be little more clear about what lead you believe so? As snoring can't be only because of abnormal position of epiglotis. And feeling it from outside to be at one side of the throat, can be a normal finding in many individuals and varry from person to person. Also that your doctors have confirmed it from your bronchoscopy which can look much deeper into your airways. However for further reassurance you can have a review with ENT specialist for a repeat and detailed laryngoscopy to assess vocal cords as well as epiglotis and any abnormal findings. If your are feeling these symptoms because of any laryngeal muscle weaknesses or nerve damage that has lead to deviate it to one side, that can be confirmed by the laryngoscopy.

Hope it has answered your query. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (34 hours later)

Hi yes I am not sure what it is but I can feel a tear and it is increasing.
I would like to know is this something that can be resolved through surgery?
For example if my epiglottis or whatever it is has completely torn off will it be able to heal back? Will I need reconstructive surgery?
I am trying to not swallow so much because that increases the pressure.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Epiglotis tear doesn't have the symptoms you are experiencing

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for sharing the details.

Usually surgical options for repairs are available but in case of nerve damages supplying the musculature have poor prognosis and can't be healed with surgical repair. However, The symptoms which you are experiencing are not due to epiglotis malpositioning. For epiglotis, has to separate air and food pipe and thus prevents food from going into the lungs. If that had been the case, the foremost feature would have been experiencing coughing while taking food. the pressure which you are experience can be due to odynophagia or dysphagia which means difficulty or painful swallowing and it is not commonly associated with epiglotis issue and has more to do with oesophagus or oropharynx. For that you need to have upper GI endoscopy.

I hope it turns out to be something trivial. If you dont have any more questions, please close the discussion. You can also reach me directly through my profile in future, in case of any more questions, Regards.

I hope this

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)

Thank you so much! All your answers are helpful for me to explain to the ENT doctor. The pain is difficult but I believe it may just be swelling or allergies. Thanks!!

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Closing remarks

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the appreciation. You are allways welcome. Keep me apprised of the situation. You can reach me through my profile directly whenever you want. Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj