Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Breathing Difficulty After Swallowing Water Or Food?
Question: My son XXXXXXX (44 yrs old) sometimes has trouble breathing after swallowing water or food. He says that it feels like the epiglottis will not move back into place after closing the trachea. Any thoughts? XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Epiglottis dysmotility or immotility. Consult ENT surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Your son needs a proper evaluation for the symptom.
If the epiglottis is not moving back into place as he thought it needs to be confirmed. Was it complete or incomplete movement? once confirmed, we need to check why is not moving back. Is there a mechanical obstruction or anatomical disturbance?
These problems can impede the movement of the epiglottis and it is very important to consider these reasons when viewing incomplete epiglottal movement.
In most cases, the reason for the reduced epiglottic movement is inadequate hyolaryngeal elevation, with reduced traction and pulley forces exerted on the epiglottis.
So a direct laryngoscopy by ENT surgeon and a few other tests are important.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Suma Parinam, General & Family Physician
Epiglottis dysmotility or immotility. Consult ENT surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Your son needs a proper evaluation for the symptom.
If the epiglottis is not moving back into place as he thought it needs to be confirmed. Was it complete or incomplete movement? once confirmed, we need to check why is not moving back. Is there a mechanical obstruction or anatomical disturbance?
These problems can impede the movement of the epiglottis and it is very important to consider these reasons when viewing incomplete epiglottal movement.
In most cases, the reason for the reduced epiglottic movement is inadequate hyolaryngeal elevation, with reduced traction and pulley forces exerted on the epiglottis.
So a direct laryngoscopy by ENT surgeon and a few other tests are important.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Suma Parinam, General & Family Physician
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. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
