swollen epiglottis

Every now and then my epiglottis doenst relax like it should. I know the epiglottis works like a flap, so food and water doesnt get into the airway. It tenses up to cover the trachea and when its not working it relaxes and rest agianst the wall of the throat.
It starts with that feeling that there is something in my thoat and I need to clear it,  but I can't. I feel the need to swallow saliva every 5-10 seconds. It normally happens when I am tired due to lack of sleep and have a really dry mouth. I tonly happens late at night. Usually after midnight. I am a smoker and drink a decent amount of soft drinks, which causes my throat to be a little dryer.  I don't have any symptoms that lead me to believe this is serious such as, actual sore throat, fever, headach, or swelling anywhere else. I know any difficulty swallowing is concidered serious, but it only gets so bad, which doesn't impare my breathing, drinking, or eating. It is more annoying then anything. It is hard for me to go to sleep when it is swollen/tense. I end up staying up until I am so tired that nothing can keep me up.  I always wake up in the morning and it is back to normal. I have tired drinking thinker drinks that kind of coat my throat..like milk and thinker juices. I also take a pretty warm bath to breathe in moisture....which really helped while I was in the bath.
I'm just curious if this happens to other people and if anyone may know of any ways to soothe it?

[LaurieFontana]

I could have written this myself. For the past two weeks, I have what feels like something in the back of my throat.  I know that it's where my epiglottis is located and feel that it's swollen. But why, I can't imagine. It happens only at night, around 7:30. I drink several clear carbonated seltzers during the day and often in the evening. Nothing but time seems to help. I've taken antihistimines.. but fall asleep with the problem, and as you, wake up with my throat feeling fine. It is extremely annoying, and a bit worrying since I have had serious allergy reactions in the past. There is nothing that is related to allergies here, though. I'm at a loss. Have you found anything that helps, or a diagnosis?

[jgonzal7]

I am having the exact same problem!  It is the most irritating thing, and it feels like I need to swallow every few seconds because there is something in my throat.  I can actually see it in the back of my throat if I tense up my tonsils, and it looks like a little flap is protruding from my throat.  I haven't found anything that stops the swelling, but this has been persisting for the last 2 weeks or so without any other symptoms.  I have also noticed that it is gone in the morning but soon reappears, and it is much worse at night or after I have had wine.  Is this still persisting for you?  I'm wondering how long this will last, and if a doctor would have any useful advice.  Perhaps it is caused from a food allergy??

[allialfaro]

It is possible to have a foriegn body lodged in your eshophagus that will cause you salivate profusely and feel the need to drink to "clear the passage."  Most significant occlusions will not allow you to swallow but you will feel the need to frequently spit because there is no place for the saliva to go.  If you have frequent symptoms of reflux along with the feeling of something left in your throat, I would recommend that you see a GI doctor, who can perform an endoscopy to see if you either have a forgein body or possibly esophageal stenosis (narrowing of the esophagus) which can be treated.

[witeboy08]

All the stuff yall sed it happing to me but i haft to swallow like every 2 seconds and i do that like for days .I have reely easy gag reflexes and i thro up alot .
I always having to cary water with me or ill gag

[melton]

I have had the same problem it started about a year ago and only happens once in a while, but it usually stay for a couple of days or just a day then goes away on its own after I go to sleep. It drives me crazy especially if I take a pill or something it get caught there...yuck!! I don't really drink pop or carbonated items and I quit smoking a couple of year ago. All though I am a big fan of wine. Any Ideas anyone ??

[alone and scared]

this is becoming common.  Why can't anyone tell you all something.  

[newfiegirl_34_5]

I have been experiencing these same symptoms for over the past two months... gag reflux so bad that I can barely keep anything down in my stomach.. I have lost over 17 pounds ( ok not such a bad thing, but not for a good reason), my back of my throat is swollen as well as my voice box, which are swollen quite badly. I cough to the extreme as to try and clear my throat.. to the point where I vomit, and my head feels like it is going to explode. I have had a Upper GI done and it came back no problems.. I think they need to do more tests and I am going to make sure they do................Oh and with this.. I have totally lost my voice, I lost my voice 7 weeks ago and now I cant talk for more then a few minutes without coughing and then gasp for air..... this is not a good experience and I wouldnt wish it on anyone

[laughingwoman]

I've been having this problem too over the last couple of months.  I thought it might be related to stress.  I sure hope to hear some good results from one of you.  I'm going to contact my doc and see what he has to say.  It really does drive me crazy.

[McTigerlily]

My 16 mos. old daughter gags every time she drinks water. She constantly puts her fingers down her throat and gags herself and grinds her teeth. She also seems to have a lack of control to swallow her drool. I thought this was all due to teething, because she is teething. Then, tonight, she began gagging and when I asked her to show me her mouth, I saw this thin (the size of her pinkie finger) protrusion coming up the back of her throat almost touching her uvula. She began coughing (and has continued coughing, but not croup-like or anything) and then threw up. It didn't seem to really bother her, but she keeps gagging herself. HELP! I don't think it's epiglottitis, so why can I see her epiglottis? I'm sure that is what it is.

[Jay171]

Ive been having this same damn thing. Its like theres somthing stuck in my throat and every time I try to clear it it doesnt come out. Ive been told bye doctors who often find nothing wrong that its my anxiety but I have no history of anxiety. It more annoying than anything I just want it to pass already. Everytime I eat its like it doesnt want to go down. When I talk I can only make out sentences cuz then I have to gasp for air. Then sometimes I feel like it interferes with my breathing but doctors say that my oxygen levels are fine every time i go in. They did find abit of swelling though in my throat one time and gave me a steriod shot but that didnt really work. Ya its usually the worst at night and I lose sleep over it so I say well ima go to the doctors in the morning but morning comes and the feeling is gone to an extent and I think im getting better then next thing you know the damn thing is messing with me again. If you guys find out what it could be please share Im deperate.

[Robin1977123]

I'm actually up right now at 4:45 am with this feeling in my throat like theres something in there or its tight and its driving me crazy I feel like I cant breath right and I feel like there is something really wrong with me. I  can't eat right through the day because I;m scared its going to make my throat feel like this. My mouth and throat also gets very dry and I don't know what is going on but Ive been to the upper GI  Dr. and they have only ran blood test so far. I have lost weight and sleep over this problem and it just started a few weeks ago. I just want to be back to myself again.  Im scared something going to happen to me before the DR. finds anything out, I like want to go to the ER almost every night but I don't. My heart rate has also been really slow like in the low 40'S.

[See_Saw]

Thank goodness i found this site and all your comments. Was wondering if i had a life-threatening condition. Started taking Fluoxetine and a week later started having this problem i.e feeling of something stuck in my chest at first and spasms of pain. Stopped taking the fluoxetine after 6 weeks because couldn't stan d the discomfort any more, but it has left me with a feeling of someting stuck in my throat and when it is bad my epiglottis is visible. Going to the ENT Department in July so will fine out more then, but at least having found this forum know it is not uncommon, so thanks for that and wish you all well.

[fullback5]

i think i have the same thing you guys have. Just in the middle of no-where my throat just seems a little bit swollen. Sometimes melted-cheeses or not as well done steak cant go down as well. I think my throat is swollen but im going to the doctor tomorrow to see what the issue is, i hope that i can either get a steriod shot to loosen the swelling and make it a little bit easier to breath and less swelling and swallowing, i wish you all luck with your treatments.

[fullback5]

well i got back from my doctor and my throat seemed to be fine. For all of you with the same symptoms as me I would visit your doctor for your throat and ask if it is allergies. Mine was because my "saliva" would drop back into my throat as i slept and it would become "slimy" and "sticky" everytime i woke up or anytime i chewed gum or random foods. She put me on some nasal spray and it seems to be working fine! Also if you take an allergen medicine daily i would reccomend blowing your nose before you go to bed/when you wake up, it will reduce the flem (phlegm) or "snot" that is in your nose going into your throat. I wish you all luck with your treatments.

[crh3675]

I have the same thing.  Started about 1 year ago around the season changes.  Certain situations exasperate the issue such as a high exposure to allergens.  I went to an ER and and ENT a week ago about this.  I had a throat X-Ray and a nasal scope done.

The ENT said my epiglottis was swollen and had quite a bit of mucus on it.  As well, he gave me a fair diagnosis of Acid Reflux diseases. Steroids, Prilosec and an antibiotic were prescribed.  Did they work?  Not sure but at this point, it still occurs and I need my sleep without feeling that I am going to suffocate at night.  Everyone here needs help with this issue as do I.   Is there anyone that can help instead of having clueless responses and physicians?

[crh3675]

I found an article that may pin this condition as a Flu related condition:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000605.htm

[cpn1kjn]

Has anyone discovered a true cause or a cure yet?  I experience the same thing...In fact, I am bothered by a swollen epiglottis right now.  3:15AM and can't sleep a at all.  To worried.  I am having all the symptoms that everyone has described above.

[cowpatty123]

I feel for all of you seeing I'm going through the same thing, I would like to know if anyone can see their epiglottis when they cough or clear their throats, and does it look like brownish flem (phlegm)? Just wondering because that's what I see and it's freking me right out, Can someone set this stressed out mind at ease? Thanks and God Bless

[meme134]

I woke up with this same thing one month ago.  I felt like something was in the back of my throat and pressure on my throat.  Plus I had alot of sinus drainage at the same time.  I waited two weeks and went to an ent who put the scope through my nose and saw my epiglottis was swollen.  Since I have a hiatel hernia and was diagnosed with acid reflux last year, he also felt my acid medicine wasn't strong enough and that is what was causing the epiglottis to be swollen.  He gave me another acid medicine to use and a nasal spray (omnaris) to try for my allergies.  I have been faithfully using this medication for almost two weeks now and I went from monday until saturday without any symptoms of the choking feeling.  I had it yesterday for a brief moment, and it went away.  I never had this before and it really scared me, but so far I am having alot of good days now. I encourage all of you to go see an ent and have them scope your throat for an accurate diagnosis.  Don't suffer with this if you don't have to.

[JoHere]

I too have been having this same problem for the last few months. I have an ent appointment in july and I hope he finds something. I have hardly slept for ages now. Last night I was up all night. I suffer anxiety disorder too so it has only made that worse for me. I will post when I get something back from the ent next month. The first few post are me to a tee.

[eff90]

i am in the same situation as most of you here and sorry to say, have not found a treatment. mine started after i tried unfiltered cigarettes for a week or two, and started having a very sore throat. whenever i then smoked a regular cigarette, what followed was a very sharp pain, which got worse and worse after each cig. it never healed and after a year when it got to a point where i couldnt handle it i finally went to the Doc. he couldnt find anything wrong, and put me on antibiotics and the post-nasal drip spray some of you talked about. however, none really fixed the problem. i think the antibiotics helped because the pain is significantly reduced however i am started to cough like crazy whereas i use to just have pain and the feeling of something stuck in my throat. also my whole deep voice is gone. i cant speak with a low voice anymore. its sick.

i was advised to go to the ENT, but i am a student and I cant even afford a second doctor visit with him.

I really think this is related to smoking; the pain and stuck-feeling gets substantially worse whenever I smoked, and now, when Im near someone smoking,

[Carebear2376]

I have been searching the web for hours now and this is the first and only site I have come acrossed that has given me hope that I'm not crazy.  For the last week I have had this feeling in my throat like something is stuck and it won't come out.  I don't have any pain, fever, or any other symtoms (symptoms).  Then last night I looked and saw what looked like a small potatoe chip, but when I touched it and realize it was part of my throat it freaked me out. I have had numerous cases of Strep and Tonsillitis (sorry spelling is horrible) and have looked at my throat MANY times before and have NEVER seen this.  After looking at all the medical info. I now know its my Epiglottis and I can't find anyone to tell me if thats normal or not (to be able to see your Epiglottis).  I too suffer from allergies but I don't smoke or drink so maybe that is the link, ALLERGIES.  I sure do hope so...  If anyone can shead new light on this subject I would greatly appreciate it.  

[answerandieplz]

I am having the EXACT same problem rite now. I just started working 3rd shift now, and I haven't been getting that much sleep in the daytime, so I just wokeup from a nap, n my mouth just felt so dry, like my tongue got stuck to the roof of my mouth, n all of a sudden my epiglottis,  just started to hang low enough to touch my tongue, how long does anyone think this would last? I keep having to swaloow every few seconds, because it always feels like its in the way. Help!s

[Aeniman]

I think I may have an answer for everyone here. This is the 3rd internet thread I have found with people suffering from these same exact symptoms that are being discussed here, identical to what I have experienced for about 10yrs myself. First of all it's extremely comforting knowing that you are not alone with ANY condition, much less, one so obscure and difficult to get diagnosed. I have had these same symptoms for some time: located slightly behind and above Adam's apple area(just below base of tongue,Larynx); feeling of food being stuck, discomfort to mild pain in throat, difficulty swallowing and feeling as if when I do its going down my trachea and not esophagus, somewhat claustrophobic swollen feeling in throat quite severe at times, and even leading me to what I assume are mild panic attacks/very sore throat when rather severe. Then a  somewhat normal feeling in the morning. I'm 34, have no allergies, am on no medication, and a relatively healthy non-smoker. I notice that this generally occurs more frequently during colds in which I have sinus congestion, or when I aggravate my throat in some way; smoking, drinking thick liquids, acid reflux, or swallowing incorrectly and having water go down windpipe(trachea) causing me to cough. What I believe is much like what some have said here, that it is the epiglottis that is swollen or enlarged to the point where its proper functionality is compromised. I believe this is due to irritation of the glands in the larynx region of the throat, usually due to sinus drainage(and usually at night i believe because of posture...lying down,reclining). Here is where I think I have hit something different...I wonder how many of you are like me and have a natural sucking reflex on throat, where I try and clear the drainage from my throat and nose when simply coughing doesn't seem to work. I'm betting many of you, and sorry for the gross-out factor! Its not something I think about, and its something I've done as long as I can remember. I have always had severe sinus congestion with colds, and find myself really causing a sore throat from this action, when dealing with the more extreme bouts. My curiosity hit a peak about 6 years ago when I noticed after one such cold that my uvula(hangy-thing in back of throat) had become elongated and was reaching all the way down to my tongue. Short story, doc said at 1st it was uvulitis and would go away with time and meds...it did not. I have recently been back to the ENT and was told the elongated uvula could be a result of the sucking, and can be corrected through a 45 min., minor surgical, procedure. I believe this same thing is happening with my epiglottis when its swollen...I can actually feel a tug, like my throat is trying to swallow it, when it really gets bad.  I have another appointment for a FEESST test with the ENT next week to further diagnose this issue. I am fairly sure I'm correct with what is taking place, at least in my case. I mean, if the sucking on my throat had done that to my uvula, why not believe it happened to a similar structure in my throat in relative proximity? I will report back with anything i find out, as soon as i get home from ENT. Although I have no difinitive answer now, maybe this will give you some ammo to use should somebody read this before going to a doctor themselves. Hope this eases some peoples minds, or at least gives them a little confidence in their situation. Humanity is too big to feel like you're alone!

[dethklok420]

ive had this problem for about 3-4 years and still the doctors say nothing is wrong, its getting to the point where it feels like i got somting nasty stuck in my throat. Somtimes its so bad, i cannot eat any food at all and im constantly swallowing saliva, Its so annoying that im starting to think killing myself is the only way to get rid of it.

[SweetSoulX]

I found this string while searching after a self-diagnosis for an enlarged epiglottis. I get one every time my nose or sinuses act up or a catch a really bad cold. Sometimes I don't even realize that I've been producing any unusual amounts of mucous or phlegm until they get a bit swollen.
It is more than often on only one side of my throat, only once or twice been on both sides at once.

It tends to occur for my brother, sister and I because something was infected and the infection is remaining in the mucous, such as sinus, throat or ear. Mucous makes a grand hide-out for breeding of bad bacteria and often, when you try clearing your throat via a slight sucking like Aeniman said he does (although not quite as often and as much ^.^) and there is an abundance of phlegm to try and dispose of, you often wear yourself raw.

I've found some ways to relax and perhaps even cure some of my own infections. I've decided it couldn't hurt to share them, since no one else has really had any luck offering any help.

Gargling- It's a glorious relief. It's repeatable, as many times as you want it to be. It relaxes the throat where it hurts the most and cleans out the mucous. It can also deliver soothing medicines and tinctures if you know what to use.
Make sure to open your esophagus as if you were singing the air out. Take a deep breath before filling half your mouth with fluid and tilts your head all the way back before beginning an exhale and opening up your whole throat. Stop when you're about 1/3 the way out of air, close your esophagus to shut off the bubbles, and spit. If you're afraid of breathing the air in, take it a step at a time (start by inhaling and letting out your breath slowly, inhale and hold water in your mouth while breathing out through your nose slowly, fill your mouth full of water and tilt your head back all the way and relax, etc) and ease yourself into a full gargle.
Things I like to gargle with-
Saltwater (the easiest and my favorite; try it with sea salt, the minerals are great), warm tea (chamomile, peppermint, lavender, marshmellow; all anti-bacterial and all anti-inflammatory. Stash teas makes my favorite for this that has all the above; Mellow Moments. http://www.stashtea.com/products/Mellow+Moments+Herbal+Tea.aspx), and grapefruit juice.

Watch TV on your belly-
Recliners usually tilt back to full where you can put your feet above your head. Turn around instead and stretch out your neck out. Rest it on your hands and breathe nice and easy. Use some pillows to cushion anything you need to. This does more wonders for your body than just your throat..

Sleep on your other side-
Most of us are side-sleepers. Ever wonder though if the side you prefer to sleep on is the side being infected the most? Mine usually is. Switch sides every other night. It keeps the phlegm from constantly staying on one sore patch and spawning extra amounts of bacteria 1/3 of the time.

Cover your face when you sleep-
You produce extra amounts of mucous when your nose and throat feel like they need to. That said, some of us have to keep our noses under the covers when we sleep. I've been in the desert all my life and have always had to keep my nose and mouth under my sheets. If you cannot keep them buried all night, you can buy a dust mask and wear it when you sleep.
Too stifling? Cut a slit at a time in the front of it until you don't feel like you're suffocating. You need oxygen, just not as much when you're asleep. This can also help you sleep faster, better, and sounder..

Eat and drink differently-
I love chocolate. Unfortunately my throat makes a bundle of mucous when I indulge. And it's gotten terrible as I've grown up. I can no longer have Cadbury Eggs for breakfast without sniffing through my college classes. You may be allergic to something you've always eaten or your body may not be able to break something down like it used to.
Yogurt, ice cream, even orange juice, makes my throat coat itself over protectively. I grew up able to devour anything as freely as I pleased though and as skinny as a rail. I haven't even gotten pregnant or had kids yet! Go figure...

That's it... I have no other ideas right now. That's what I do.
Try a few out and please please please.. post back here for others if you have any successes OR fails. We all need help and this condition is nothing but absolute misery.

Good luck guys! I'm hoping this helps at least some people.

[SweetSoulX]

A second note to my first; I do not smoke and I rarely drink, but I have noticed that I also get more infections after a sip of something alcoholic. Perhaps simply not participating on these two things if you do them regularly...
Keep a food and drink (and smoking) log in your back pocket for a while and note when you get ill or feel off for any reason. You'd be surprised, actually, how much ailments you get has to do with something and stupid and simple as what you eat and drink. I didn't know, for example, that tap water from my new residence was any trouble until I bought some distilled water for a camping trip and finished it off to find my throat and breathing better than they had been in months. Knowing that I troubleshooted my other water sources until I discovered my own tap water wasn't as good as I thought it was.

I'm totally not a health nut, BTW.. -.- Horrah for vaccinations and prescription strength antibiotics, but I'm a poor college kid and can't go to the doctor unless it's while visiting the ER so... ^.^ Yeeahh...

[pink553]

i just went to my doctor with the same problems. He refered me to an ear nose and throat specialist

[patrinaleigh]

I have had the same problem as all of you but for me it seems like mine comes and goes more often.. It does not hurt extreamly bad but it is very unconfortable.. I am 16 been having this problem for about a month.. along with the throat problem i have been getting constant head aches....... also i have a hemroid... I do not know if any of these are related but i keep getting new symptoms all the time... the only thing that has been a problem for me for a long period of time has been my throat... i went to the doctor they said there was nothing wrong and sent me home with alergy (allergy) meds. Someone please find an answer.

[kazw184]

I have just had a throat infection. One tonsil was more swollen than the other and my GP put me on anti biotics. I have finished these just over two weeks but I noticed I do have a swollen epiglottis. Its very enlarged and red and it too is touching the back of my tongue and making me feel like I have something in my throat. I cough during the night and my hubby has said I am snoring!. I have checked on web sites and it sounds like it is epiglottitis. Which can be caused by a bacterial infection. I have been using a throat spray which seems to be helping the symtoms (symptoms) but my epiglottis is still enlarged. I am therefore going to return to the GP to see if a further treatment of anti biotics works.

[sandravine]

" i have found that acupressure helps me.

Find the small indentation at the base of your thumb (on the back of your hand ) and near your wrist , press for a few seconds with you other thumb then, at the same time with your index finger press in the middle of the soft pad (in your hand at the base of the thumb) so, it looks like you are pinching yourself. Take several deep breaths then make a fist with your other hand and briskly rub these two points to stimulate them. Proceed to do the other hand in the same ways.

The points are called: Great Abyss  and Fish Border  you can look them up on the web for a diagram as my explanation might sound complicated but  a diagram will show you how simple it all is.

Relieves:  Shallow breathing, coughing and swollen throat, also lung problems and asthma.

[Bailosaur]

I am SO glad I found this post.
I have been suffering from the some of the symptoms everybody is talking about for about a week now.  I always feel like there's something stuck in my throat, and have been coughing consistently for days.  Me, being curious like I am - decided to stick my finger back there, pull up a throat anatomy chart, and let google do the rest.  I do not have a sore throat, I have some phlegm, but mainly just that feeling of having to cough something out my throat - who would have known that it WAS a part of my throat causing the issue.
I have decided since people have been referring to allergies and the throat being swollen, to take an allergy pill, and some Tylenol.  Both combat any sort of swelling.  Let's see what happens.  I'm not really enjoying the thought of going to the doctor if there's no "cure" for this.

[anone1504]

Bailosaur,  Exactly the same but i was going to try Aspirin and Zyrtec.   It happens ever once in a while but goes away after a day or so.

I think I get it sometimes when I dry-swallow pills and one gets stuck for a second which causes irritation that drinking water usually cures right away...but sometimes not.

I remember eating a hotdog once and my mouth must have been drier than I though because I swallowed and the bite stuck..... I then tried to force swallow it and it moved some but still seemed stuck.   I could breathe fine but it took about 10 more minutes of concern before I generated enough moisture to get it to go down.  My epiglottis was then swollen for the next 2 or 3 days after that.  I suppose the irritation caused by too-dry of food being force-swallowed past it must have irritated it.

I happens every 6 months or so for unknow reasons but it's probably from the same cause.

[badthroathelp]

guys,i cant anymore!!!it is so ánnoying!!!i am having something stuck in my throat for a month,it started from headache 4 days -very bad headache,then got something inside,very annoying feeling,second day got worse my throat gets swallen feels like something alive is there,felt that scaried so went to emergency on sunday!said sore throat!!!sorry but no any symptoms of cold!!!got  mad !!day after went to gp gave me antibiotics ,when i told them do something pls,at that time i was waiting for my surgery so after 3 days i went to see another doctor in gp he told me it is stress,,global panic something whatever dont remeber,so now after 2 weeks i had my operation it is better now but still something not well,got mad again,dont know what shall i do,everyone having a problem no answer in these years???

[jessnick]

One year ago I was very close to death because of Epiglotitis. I can't agree more it is a terribly painful disease and the symptoms can come extremely fast!  I was originally told to have this twice is VERY uncommon, well they were obviously very wrong! I'm once again feeling the symptoms not nearly as severe but I'm so scared thats what is going to happen especially now reading so many posts. I'm interested in knowing if anyone else after being diagnosed and had it again had the same symptoms, and how long you waited to go to a doctor or a ENT? I feel for any one that has delt with this disease!!!

[mauricia123]

i feel the same way and the doc dont belive me i need help

[Candi23]

Oct 29th 2007-Oct 29th 2011??
Wow!! There are a lot of posts here, and over many years too!! Dont you just hate it when we all have the same problem but yet its all been described as something different each time? Im beginning to think most doctors dont even know what the hell theyre talking about!! I dont have health insurance but Im so scared about this that Im gonna get it and go see a doctor and hopefully I can get this very uncomforting feeling dealt with.. I wish all of you good luck and if anyone has figured out any ways to help or an actual diagnosis, please let us know..

[rperry81]

I noticed this on my 9.5yr old daughter tonight. She started out on Dec 7th with fever of 102.6 complaining of her throat and feeling like she was going to throw up so she was up and down for awhile I went to store got some Motrin because i had none on hand gave her the Motrin at 11:30pm her fever broke and she was sleeping but in and out still of sleep kept getting something to drink all night by morning Thursday 6am she was up and wanting to go to school to not ruin her perfect attendance and miss out on the Christmas Program lol...kids, so i let her go and gave her Motrin b4 she left at 7:20am she then came home after school no fever nothing really bothering her so we went to the Christmas Program and after I told her I was still taking her to Urgent Care with her brother's, we then went to Urgent Care Thursday night and then we was followed by a strep test which came back negative then says she just has a soar throat but do you know she has an irregular heartbeat and orders her to have a EKG done and a Echo so I'm like OOOOKKKKK and prescribes her z-pak. We go over to hospital to do the EKG with no appt but wait for Echo cuz appt needed, now this is Friday I do follow up with her pediatrician and he listens to her and hears the irregular heartbeat and is now sending her off to a cardiologist to find out why its happening because they say they worry about hearts when they are more like racing and missing beats etc...and her's is normal and missing beats so it is unexplainable to him. I now have cardiologist appt schedule for the 19th of December and then I notice tonight Dec. 12th when she tells me her throat is still hurting her I look in with flash light and have her stick tongue out and say AHHHH I then see this thing stick up from back there and was like WTH is this? So I google diagrams of the throat and see it is epiglottis and the effects etc..... So Now I am beginning to wonder if this is why she was sick and had irregular heartbeat and if this is also why MANY MANY nights for years she has been a restless sleeper tossing turning kicking the walls and kicking and talking in sleep and then up and down for something to drink, so Now I'm canceling school tomorrow and taking her back to her pediatrician and having him look down in there and requesting he send me to a ENT specialist and asking him what is his advice on this ordeal because of the MAJOR issues it has with this sickness, I also read it can be contracted from someone in the household who has been infected or with croup well my 1 yr old had croup few months back before turning 1 and has sounded croupy ever since bringing him home from hospital a yr ago and they tell me his stuff back in there is just under developed basically, HMMMM....OOOKKKKK and then he ends up with the croup(scarey) like 2 months ago and on steroids and a breathing machine then I had him back into urgent care during this also and he gets amoxicillian and during that the breathing treatments he still sounded croupy so again on same day I took my daughter to urgent care I take him into urgent care just this past Thursday and his chest is so inflamed with junk and croupy coughing still the urgent care doctor gives him z-pak also and both my kids have been on it for the full 5 days now and he sounds MUCH MUCH better but my daughter is still complaining of the throat and then has this epiglottis sticking up now so I'm wondering if she caught infection from him and he caught something from the hospital before bringing him home a year ago and being vaccinated with the HIB shots that can cause this? I am having her checked tomorrow at doc and my son goes in for 12 month check-up I will keep everyone updated as to what my pediatrician says and who he hopefully refers me out to because this was contracted from one kid to the next and then she ends up also having irregular heartbeat syndrome that we have NO CLUE where this came from also it all has to be combined into one and it takes a parent to notice all this and WHAT THE HELL ARE WE PAYING A DOCTOR FOR????!!!!! Ya feel me?

[rperry81]

I noticed this on my 9.5yr old daughter tonight. She started out on Dec 7th with fever of 102.6 complaining of her throat and feeling like she was going to throw up so she was up and down for awhile I went to store got some Motrin because i had none on hand gave her the Motrin at 11:30pm her fever broke and she was sleeping but in and out still of sleep kept getting something to drink all night by morning Thursday 6am she was up and wanting to go to school to not ruin her perfect attendance and miss out on the Christmas Program lol...kids, so i let her go and gave her Motrin b4 she left at 7:20am she then came home after school no fever nothing really bothering her so we went to the Christmas Program and after I told her I was still taking her to Urgent Care with her brother's, we then went to Urgent Care Thursday night and then we was followed by a strep test which came back negative then says she just has a soar throat but do you know she has an irregular heartbeat and orders her to have a EKG done and a Echo so I'm like OOOOKKKKK and prescribes her z-pak. We go over to hospital to do the EKG with no appt but wait for Echo cuz appt needed, now this is Friday I do follow up with her pediatrician and he listens to her and hears the irregular heartbeat and is now sending her off to a cardiologist to find out why its happening because they say they worry about hearts when they are more like racing and missing beats etc...and her's is normal and missing beats so it is unexplainable to him. I now have cardiologist appt schedule for the 19th of December and then I notice tonight Dec. 12th when she tells me her throat is still hurting her I look in with flash light and have her stick tongue out and say AHHHH I then see this thing stick up from back there and was like WTH is this? So I google diagrams of the throat and see it is epiglottis and the effects etc..... So Now I am beginning to wonder if this is why she was sick and had irregular heartbeat and if this is also why MANY MANY nights for years she has been a restless sleeper tossing turning kicking the walls and kicking and talking in sleep and then up and down for something to drink, so Now I'm canceling school tomorrow and taking her back to her pediatrician and having him look down in there and requesting he send me to a ENT specialist and asking him what is his advice on this ordeal because of the MAJOR issues it has with this sickness, I also read it can be contracted from someone in the household who has been infected or with croup well my 1 yr old had croup few months back before turning 1 and has sounded croupy ever since bringing him home from hospital a yr ago and they tell me his stuff back in there is just under developed basically, HMMMM....OOOKKKKK and then he ends up with the croup(scarey) like 2 months ago and on steroids and a breathing machine then I had him back into urgent care during this also and he gets amoxicillian and during that the breathing treatments he still sounded croupy so again on same day I took my daughter to urgent care I take him into urgent care just this past Thursday and his chest is so inflamed with junk and croupy coughing still the urgent care doctor gives him z-pak also and both my kids have been on it for the full 5 days now and he sounds MUCH MUCH better but my daughter is still complaining of the throat and then has this epiglottis sticking up now so I'm wondering if she caught infection from him and he caught something from the hospital before bringing him home a year ago and being vaccinated with the HIB shots that can cause this? I am having her checked tomorrow at doc and my son goes in for 12 month check-up I will keep everyone updated as to what my pediatrician says and who he hopefully refers me out to because this was contracted from one kid to the next and then she ends up also having irregular heartbeat syndrome that we have NO CLUE where this came from also it all has to be combined into one and it takes a parent to notice all this and WHAT THE HELL ARE WE PAYING A DOCTOR FOR????!!!!! Ya feel me?

[pasalujohero]

Hi There I have had this very same problem for a couple of years now. I have been to A&E twice with it as it has turned into a slight panic attack on these occasions. The hospital never really diagnosed anything, but having been to my GP on about 4 times, he has put it down to stress.! I can totally understand that but the trouble is when you get it, it makes you feel even more stressed!!!!!

[KAMRN]

I have these symptoms also.  Although they come and go for me.  An uncomfortable throat and the feeling like there is a lump stuck in there (usually brought on by colds, drinking wine or other alcoholic beverage, or when I'm exposed to air pollutants). My epiglottis is visible (and has been for the past year...or at least that's when I discovered that I could see it). And it is most definitely my epiglottis and NOT my uvula (I'm a nurse and I do know the difference thank you very much to those people on other sites who tell me I'm seeing my uvula).
I've read that these symptoms can be benign or they can be caused by a mass in the throat (possibly cancer), or can be an allergic reaction and cause epiglottitis (in which the epiglottis and larynx can swell quickly and can be potentially fatal if not treated immediately).
I would pass along (after reading up on symptoms via the internet), that if anyone is having any difficulty breathing because of the "lump" they should see an ENT (ear nose and throat doctor) asap! If the symptoms are getting worse or are accompanied by weight loss, night time sweats, coughing up blood, or swelling of the throat, or increased fatigue, see your doctor right away.
Another helpful thing I've found when going into overly-scheduled doctors offices these days is to (before going to your appt), write down a list of all your symptoms, keep a diary of what seems to make the symptoms worse, and write down all of your questions that you want to ask...then take all of this with you.  This way you won't forget to ask anything and your notes can really be helpful in figuring out whats wrong.  

[Charmeming]

I got a very sore throat about 15 months ago.  I had constant phlegm in my throat and sometimes my ears ring (but according to the ENT, my ears are fine).  The biggest problem was feeling like I couldn't breathe and getting out of breath just walking around the house.  My ENT put a scope down my nose and throat and he saw that the epiglottis was extremely inflamed and covered in phlegm (epiglottitis).  He said that because of the inflammation, my vocal cords close to keep the contaniments out of my lungs and that was putting my body into panic mode which was causing my blood pressure to go sky high.  During those times, I have noticed a pounding in my chest.  Tests show that my heart is fine. The swelling also narrows the throat and all of that causes the feeling of the lump in the throat.

He said that throat irritation is commonly caused by acid reflux (even at night when you're sleeping).  Another contributor can be sleep apnea, and I have read that smoking can hurt your throat.  Alcohol, chocolate and caffeine are also bad.  A bacterial infection can cause throat problems, but my Strep test was negative.  I had surgery to remove almost everything in my mouth (tonsils, uvula, the whole palate reduction).  My sleep apnea is gone, but throat is still inflamed.

I took voice lessons at the ENT's office to learn how to breathe through my nose (rather than my throat), from my diaphragm, and out through my mouth to relax my vocal cords, and how to speak without stressing the vocal cords (because prolonged talking made my throat worse).  I take a proton pump inhibitor called Dexilant now during the day and Ranitidine at night which controls the acid reflux and helps heal my throat, and I have reduced the amount of acidic and greasy foods and dairy (which coats your throat and makes the phlegm worse) but my throat still flares up mostly when the furnace or air conditioner is on in my house to the point where I feel like I can't breathe even with the acid reflux medicine.  I feel slightly better outside of my house, so I am wondering if it is dust or mold in the ventilation and in the carpeting which could be causing my throat to be irritated. The allergist says I don't have allergies, and the ENT says that's not likely the cause, but something is causing my throat to dry out and/or be irritated, so I think that it might be a factor. Doctors are only human and sometimes they make educated guesses. I have had all kinds of blood tests, CT scans, heart tests, etc. done, and none of them have been able to tell me what the cause is.   Cleaning my carpet and vents is next thing that I'm going to try.  It's my own educated guess.

I would like to thank SweetSoulX for his/her suggestions. I have noticed that tea (non-caffeinated) with honey seems to help a little bit (at least while I'm drinking it) and steam from the shower as someone else mentioned helps while I'm in the shower.  

I would imagine that for anyone with epiglottitis (determined by that scope down the throat from the ENT), that there can be many different causes.  I would suggest seeing an ENT to rule out Strep Throat or a bacterial infection.  So far, I'm still searching for my cause.

[karenelder]

I do the exact same thing. I even had a endoscope done and they said the flap swells due to acid reflux and stress. Well I've never had acid reflux in my life so I still dont understand that. They gave me medicince for acid reflux and it seems to make it worse, I've tried three different types and they all seem to make it worse. I finally quite taking any of it and i seem to be doing a little better it still comes and goes and i try to ignore it but its really hard. Today actually maybe 10 minutes ago I was eating a little pizza and i had to quite cause it felt like some had gotten stuck in my throat I can breathe okay but I feel it in there and its gotten so bad I keep making my self throw up to try and get it out its not working at all. I have no idea what to do.