Why would my epiglottis be swelling?

[Butternuts85]

Starting a little over a week ago i could feel something in the back of my throat. I thought it was just some food stuck so I didn't worry about it. Every day since the feeling has worsened and last Thursday I looked in my mouth using my toothbrush to depress my tongue and I saw my epiglottis was swollen and moving up my throat. I saw my dr and she told me she didn't see anything wrong but wanted an xray just in case.  As of yesterday I can see my epiglottis in the back of my throat without using anything to depress my tongue.  Imnot experiencing any pain and am not sick in any way. I dont smoke and never have. I drink occasionally maybe 1-2 times a week and only 1-2 beers or a glass of when when I do. I'm 26 years old and in good physical condition. The reason for this post is I don't have insurance so going to a specialist to look aat this or getting x-rays would be very expensive, what would cause my epiglottis to swell so slowly like this and is this something that I should be more concerned about?  Also I know I was vaccinated for hib as a kid so my dr said it couldn't be from that. Any help would be appreciated.

[Deanne2483]

PMS63 this is exactly what has happened to me. My epiglottis has turned up and is curled and I have a little space to breathe. Only since thus is had a very difficult time swallowing.

[mymojo]

Yes I thought I was getting a cold for the last week but when I awoke Thursday I could barley breath. I do have and infection but tomorrow is the last dose. I have to many to count and they are large and small, but many of them. I was wondering if this is a form of Thrush. More common in babies due to the nipple on the bottle is not clean enough and the bacteria creates puss pockets. I is very common in adults. I have as many of 15 to 20. Sometimes there's no room to swallow food. and I have a temp with mine. Amy suggestions?

[PMS63]

I have had a swollen epiglottis for 20 years. Started out occasionally and now it stays swollen. I have seen numerous ENT's, allergy doctors, pulmonary, and other specialist. I even spent two weeks at mayo clinic. No one can diagnose the problem and give me a name for thi condition. I currently have a spce about the size of a straw to breath. I have been on prednisone everyday for the past 9 years. Anyone suffering from similar condition?  Desperate for help.

[Deanne2483]

Did they find the problem? I saw numerous doctors for this as well.

[Blessedandgrateful]

Was this ever resolved?

[DJ8561]

Yes u can see ur Epiglottis. I have started seeing mine the past two months.. I can't stand it. It feels like something is in my throat.. Been to the ENT many times.. He has confirmed it to be the Epiglottis.. Says it looks fine. Has no idea why I can suddenly see and feel it.. He said it is normal. Uncommon. But normal.
I just want to know, will it ever relax to its normal state and why now would it suddenly appear??

[Blessedandgrateful]

I know its been a number of years. But did the epiglottis ever go down?    

[Londres70]

There is NO way you can see your epiglottis.  I am not sure what you are seeing, but it isn't your epiglottis.

I would be having this followed-up, i.e. x-ray/specialist.  

You don't want this to get out of hand and your airway close off completely.  

[DJ8561]

Yes u can see ur epiglottis!!! Been feeling these same symptoms for several years had many X-rays and Had a Lawrence copy in the endoscopy with biopsy’s ... ENT said it was.  Inflammation From acid coming up, of which I never knew was happening..  occasional heartburn but that was it ... you should do your research an see that seeing your epiglottis is normal..