Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
126 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Food Stuck In Epiglottis.

For a week or so, at some point during the day I've felt like something is stuck in my throat. I can see my epiglottis in the mirror (with a flashlight), and judging by the smell/taste I can occasionally generate, it seems a significant amount of food is getting stuck. How can I remedy this? It's gotten to the point where I don't want to be in close contact with people because of the bad breath this is causing.
posted on Thu, 24 Jun 2010
Twitter Wed, 25 Aug 2010 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 8 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
  User's Response
's  Response
You should have a direct endoscopic video laryngoscopy and a barium swallow X-ray study done at the earliest. Food normally does not get stuck in the throat unless there is an obstruction (in which case there may be no problem with liquids) or small bits get stuck in the tonsils or any hypertrophied lymphoid tissue. This can cause halitosis (bad breath) and if you have GERD (Gastro-Esophagral Reflux Disease) it may also cause similar sensations. What is your age? Have you had a substantial exposure to tobacco or alcohol? Have you noticed any change in your voice or do you feel breathless or cough at times?
General & Family Physician,  Dr. Jitender Chauhan's  Response
Hello, welcome to Healthcaremagic. It is not possible for food to remain stuck in throat for long time. It might be some other pathology including infection by bacteria or virus. Bad breath can be due to it or due to several other causes. You must visit a ENT doctor who would be able to examine you and find the real issue. Wish you good health.
I find this answer helpful
  User's Response
macloui1's  Response
my epiglottis has red spots on it and I feel like it is swollen
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Oral hygiene


Loading Online Doctors....
Food Stuck In Epiglottis.

You should have a direct endoscopic video laryngoscopy and a barium swallow X-ray study done at the earliest. Food normally does not get stuck in the throat unless there is an obstruction (in which case there may be no problem with liquids) or small bits get stuck in the tonsils or any hypertrophied lymphoid tissue. This can cause halitosis (bad breath) and if you have GERD (Gastro-Esophagral Reflux Disease) it may also cause similar sensations. What is your age? Have you had a substantial exposure to tobacco or alcohol? Have you noticed any change in your voice or do you feel breathless or cough at times?