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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Feeling Of Something Present At The Back Of Throat?

Hi, i m a 18 year old male, the problem is that since yesterday around 8pm when i was brushing my teeths i notice somenthing at the back of my throat and it turns out that it s my epiglottis, somenthing that had never happened to me before. Other than that i have no problems breathing or swallowing
posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2014
Twitter Fri, 12 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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ENT Specialist,  's  Response
Hi. It is common to see the epiglottis sometimes when you look into the mirror into your mouth. It is normal and nothing to worry about.

The base of the tongue sometimes fluctuates in thickness since it is very vascular and made up of muscle. Thats why the epiglottis is visualised once in a while.
The epiglottis may stiffen and stand more vertical due to some inflammation at the base of the epiglottis and this may also be a reason making it prominent. Such inflammation can be due to small amounts of acid reflux, smoking or early stages of infection in the throat around the epiglottis.

Unless you do not develop pain while swallowing and fever or cough whe you drink liquids, it is not necessary to do anything about this. You must however visit an ENT specialist when any of these symptoms do occur.
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What Causes Feeling Of Something Present At The Back Of Throat?

Hi. It is common to see the epiglottis sometimes when you look into the mirror into your mouth. It is normal and nothing to worry about. The base of the tongue sometimes fluctuates in thickness since it is very vascular and made up of muscle. Thats why the epiglottis is visualised once in a while. The epiglottis may stiffen and stand more vertical due to some inflammation at the base of the epiglottis and this may also be a reason making it prominent. Such inflammation can be due to small amounts of acid reflux, smoking or early stages of infection in the throat around the epiglottis. Unless you do not develop pain while swallowing and fever or cough whe you drink liquids, it is not necessary to do anything about this. You must however visit an ENT specialist when any of these symptoms do occur.