"Thing" in my throat

[Sablesilverrain]

I've had a sore throat for a few days now, along with severe post-nasal drip and a productive cough. The sore throat has been the most annoying part of the sickness, whatever it is, for the entire day today, and I just checked to see if it looked like strep. While trying to position the flashlight and mirror to where I could see my throat's lining, I found that if I stuck my tongue out very far, something right behind my uvula popped up.

It is slightly whitish/yellowish in color (can't tell exactly), and it has blood vessels that are visible running through it. It looks to be some kind of of flap, since it is flat and rectangular, but if it is the eppiglottis, why would I have never seen it before? Should I see the doctor, or wait for it to go away? Is it something normal?

I am also a smoker, but I'm not sure if that is a factor at all.

There is no fever present.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

It is possible what you are seeing is the epiglotis and it may look different because it is swollen.  It also could be that you have pustules (pockets of pus) that developed in your throat and are causing the soreness.  Finally, smoking could be a factor and will only irritate an already sore throat.  I would recommend that you go see your doctor.  He/She can do a throat culture and see what is going on,.  Also, you may need an antibiotic.  In the meantime, gargling with warm salt water every hour or so, can help make your throat feel better.  Also, if you can, try to refrain from smoking.  Good luck.

Bridget

[Sablesilverrain]

Thank you. The sore throat went away on its own. There were no pustules, which is what I was looking for. I have had strep so many times that I can recognize it on sight, so when I saw that they were absent, I knew that wasn't the problem.

All I can say is that if that was the epiglottis, it looks more bizzare than I ever imagined!

Again, thank you for answering my question.