
What Causes Retraction Of The Tongue Muscles?

Posted on
Sun, 16 Apr 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team


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
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
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
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


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)
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)
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
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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