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What Causes Epiglottis Not To Function Properly?

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Posted on Sun, 9 Jun 2013
Question: what causes the flapper that is for swallowing (covering the air way) to start not functioning properly? This happened in the past due to stroke but after therapy and time, it started working. now it seems to have reversed.

can something be done about it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (36 minutes later)
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The epiglottis (flap) helps direct food away from the airway and into the food pipe during swallowing.

2. After a stroke, the nerves supplying the throat (pharynx), larynx and food pipe (esophagus) may have been affected, interfering with the complex, partly automatic process of swallowing.

3. Get a videolaryngoscopy and barium swallow study done. If you can share the images and video, it will help in locating the problem.

4. FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and FEESST (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing) are newer examination methods, if available.

5. Treatment options may be discussed after these test results are in.


I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
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. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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What Causes Epiglottis Not To Function Properly?

Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The epiglottis (flap) helps direct food away from the airway and into the food pipe during swallowing.

2. After a stroke, the nerves supplying the throat (pharynx), larynx and food pipe (esophagus) may have been affected, interfering with the complex, partly automatic process of swallowing.

3. Get a videolaryngoscopy and barium swallow study done. If you can share the images and video, it will help in locating the problem.

4. FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and FEESST (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing) are newer examination methods, if available.

5. Treatment options may be discussed after these test results are in.


I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.