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What Causes Retraction Of The Tongue Muscles?

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Posted on Sun, 16 Apr 2017
Twitter Sun, 16 Apr 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 8 May 2017 Last reviewed on
Question : Hi there, my tongue appears to be in a retracted
position and it feels like there is phlegm or some mucus building up in my throat is this cause for concern? I am trying to fall asleep and I am worried I might choke, struggle to breathe
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
this is not a likely occurence

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

This is not likely to occur, you would likely subconsciously swallow any mucus at the back of the throat.
Though saliva is not as thick as mucus, it is continuously produced as we sleep, it is either swallowed or dribbled out as persons sleep

If you are still concerned , then you can consider going to sleep propped up on more than normal number of pillows if this is an option for you.
In addition the use of a decongestant/anti histamine combination, which is found in either allergy meds or cough/cold meds, would help you as well eg benadryl d, allegra d, claritine d, zyrtec d

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (37 minutes later)
Thank you for that

Is the tongue retracting something to be alarmed about?

It feels curved up and the tip sits behind my teeth ( I can see the floor of my mouth)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
should be fine

Detailed Answer:
Hi

No, unless your tongue is swollen, breathing/obstruction would not be able

There are certain reflexes in the body designed to help us regulate ourselves, if there was difficulty with air supply, your blood would have started with shortness of breath to help get oxygen to the body

Please feel free to ask anything else
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16845 Questions

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What Causes Retraction Of The Tongue Muscles?

Brief Answer: this is not a likely occurence Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic This is not likely to occur, you would likely subconsciously swallow any mucus at the back of the throat. Though saliva is not as thick as mucus, it is continuously produced as we sleep, it is either swallowed or dribbled out as persons sleep If you are still concerned , then you can consider going to sleep propped up on more than normal number of pillows if this is an option for you. In addition the use of a decongestant/anti histamine combination, which is found in either allergy meds or cough/cold meds, would help you as well eg benadryl d, allegra d, claritine d, zyrtec d I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions