Something in the Back of Throat

[Duchess125]

My daughter has something sticking up in the back of her throat.  I was wondering if anyone knew what it is, why it's happening, and what to do about it.

[tkmo1968]

my daughter has always had this showing in her throat. She is now almost 9 years old and i just wanted to ask if this caused any change in your childs speech.  My daughter speaks in a baby voice and I thought that might have something to do with it.

[CustardSquareNZ]

Oh my goodness, I have just read this as I was investigating my son's sore throat and saw something sticking up at the back. After reading your posts I'm sure it's his epiglottis. But interestingly he is 9 and also talks in a baby voice. Did tkmo1968 find out any more about this?

[Duchess125]

Thanks for all the information and concern.  I took my daughter to a specialist today.  Aar1151 was correct.  He said it's her epiglottis, and that there's nothing to be concerned about.  Most people cannot see theirs but a few can.  She is just one who can.  He said it looks healthy--not infected or anything, it's functioning correctly, and that she is fine.  Thanks again.

[aar1151]

Believe it or not, I just had the same thing happen and I'm 64!  It is her epiglotis.  It is made of cartilege and although it does move slightly when you swallow it is generally out of sight.  I felt mine even (though it didn't come up as high as in your photo) because some pasta got stck and wouldn't go down.  I had just had gall bladder and acid reflux surgery so my throat was still swollen a little and I was sensitive to anything new.  So many things have happened this last year that I bought two serious medical books to learn more about the human body.  But my husband said there is nothing hard in your throat and thought it was my imagination.  It cost $230 to go to a ear, nose and throat doctor who told me:  "IT IS YOUR EPIGLOTIS, IT IS MADE OF CARTILEGE, AND IT DOES MOVE WHEN YOU SWALLOW; ALSO ON SOME PEOPLE  IT GOES UP HIGH ENOUGH YOU CAN SEE IT.   I left mine alone because it happened on a late Fri. night, but I was too afraid to eat!  It went down about a half an inch or more by the next morning (I put my finger down my throat to see if it was still there).  By the time I got to the Dr.'s it was way down where it belongs.  He couldn't tell me why it did this.  I came to the conclusion that it was after all my surgery and since now am unable to throw up, I had the dry heaves (after eating at a burger place) and maybe that is what forced it up higher...???  It was a scary thing to feel and in your case to see -- Chances are, your regular doctor will know this too.  Good luck.  aar1151    

[mammo]

I would seek medical help ASAP!

[catlady4847]

Couldn't tell from the picture whether or not this is an infant.  If so, have your pediatrician check it out at your next well baby check.  He could see it "up close and personal" and then decide whether or not it is anything.