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What Causes Visible Epiglottis?
Question: Hello I just noticed what looks like a small second toungue behind my toungue. I have seen similar pictures online and it appears to be called visable epiglottis. Which I assume means you can clearly see my epiglottis. I've had real bad allergies and an irritated throat. I plan to call an ENT tomorrow. Do you have any info?
Brief Answer:
Do not worry if have no problem now
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Epiglottis is normal structure present in everyone , It is not visible normally but in thin people with long neck or larynx which is more forward placed it can be seen.
Do you have any pain now? , if not then do not worry .
You have had irritation in throat.There can be many reasons for that.
But You need to take care of two most common things
1. nasal allergies / disease like blockage,discharge etc if you have, as the nasal discharge fall back in throat and irritates it.
you need to consult your ENT specialist to get examination and CT scan nose with plain coronal views limited cuts, if required to rule out any disease in nose and paranasal sinuses .
2. Take care of reflux, It is one of the reason for recurrent throat irritation , it doesnot matter you feel heart burn acidity or not.
Take--- Antacids and antireflux medicines .
Precautions—
Keep head end of bed elevated.
Avoid alcohol, Smoking
Do brisk walking daily
Go for walk after dinner
Avoid spicy food
Avoid late night coffee
In doubt do reply
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you for the reply. Yes my throat is irritated. My tonsils look inflamed and pussy. Iv had really bad allergies lately, but getting better. My throat feels not as soar as it did a couple days ago, but seeing the epiglottis is pretty scary as I have never seen it before. Almost looks like a small second tongue growing. I will call my ENT today.
Brief Answer:
go ahead with consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Get ent consultation and infection can be ruled out.As i have already said about the possible reasons , that can be discussed with your doctor.
do reply in doubt
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. Vaishalee Punj
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