What Causes Visible Epiglottis?

Posted on Thu, 10 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 Answered on

Sat, 3 May 2014 Last reviewed on

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?

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Sharma (1 hour later)

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

Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Sharma (6 hours later)

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.

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Sharma (3 days later)

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj