swollen epiglottis

[itchyface14]

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?

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

It is really weird that we all have some kind of GERD issue as well as the throat/swollen epiglottis and globus sensation.

I have Barret's due to longstanding severe GERD and had the Nissen operation done over a year ago in hope that it would heal my throat!  The Surgeon wanted to do the op due to the Barret's and cancer risk, but I was just looking forward to having a normal throat again!

It is a bit more involved than just GERD it seams...

One year post-op and nothing changed.  I got a diagnoses of Chricopharengeal muscle dysfunction and it is a Neurologic issue where the muscle does not relax or contract properly.  Is there a connection between this ENT problem and GERD?  not according to all the studies that I've done on the topic.

But I am yet waiting for a cure or solution that will make my throat better.

[ben28601]

Hey everyone.   I have been having all the same problems.  Two years ago had a very serious case of epiglottits--came within minutes of dying or at least needing a trach.   Since then (and perhaps unknowingly my whole life) I have had symptoms on and off.  All of you seem to have GERD.  The acid from your stomach is traveling up your espohoagus and into your throat.   It causes the "lump in the throat", laryngitis, sore throat, earache, mucus in nose and throat, trouble swallowing.  Only things that will help are PPI's, antacids, and lifestyle changes.  Maintain normal weight, eat small meals, no alcohol or tobacco, exercise regularly, no spicy foods, and do not lie down for 3 hours after eating.  Sleep on your left side.  Hope that this helps.

[lprkat]

sounds like LPR, Gerd symptoms

[onemmouse]

Thank you ! I never noticed until I read your post about the inhaler or the neb.. makes the throat thing go away I had not put the two things together. I do know that when my SP02 levels are low the throat thing is at its worst.
Also when I get my back adjusted it goes away.
Thank you !

[Mamabear1213]

This is Mamabear1213...

If anyone has any info you can pass on... please help!

It all began with trouble swallowing in November of 2011 and my daughter has the identical symptoms that I've read about in all of your postings... even told by one "major" hospital that she has Esophageal Dismotility... then by another "major well-known" hospital... had another swallow study and was told she doen't.  She either does or doesn't!   Same test, different doctors and hospital... really??  We are losing our minds already!!!!!!!!!!

[Mamabear1213]

My 23 year old daughter has been SUFFERING for a year.  We have been to so many doctors including Mayo Clinic and still no one can be straight on the subject and help.  We are not giving up the fight and researching on our own.  You are welcome to contact me by email and stay in touch: ***@****

Someone ...some doctor out there must know what this is!  It's horrible... frightening... painful... frustrating... and we are sick of the BS we get from the doctors.  She has been told to take anxiety meds and antidepressants.  HA!  That's rediculous!!  Sooooooooooo not like my high-energy, outgoing, Magna *** Laude graduate from college.  What a joke!!  Let's not give up and be a support system to each other!!