When Swallowing The Glottis Covers The Epiglottis - T-Tees - Your Answers Await, Life's Questions Unraveled

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Are there common conditions or disorders that affect the epiglottis?

Epiglottitis — when your epiglottis becomes swollen and inflamed — is the most common condition affecting your epiglottis. Most of the time, epiglottitis happens because you have an infection. Symptoms of epiglottitis caused by infections appear suddenly and get worse very quickly. Common epiglottitis symptoms include severe sore throat, pain when you swallow or difficulty swallowing.

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Other things may make your epiglottis swell, such as drinking very hot liquids, being hit in your neck, smoking or chemical burns.

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Depending on the cause, your epiglottis can swell so much that it blocks your larynx so you can’t get oxygen. Severe epiglottitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention so your body gets the oxygen it needs to function.

Sometimes, your epiglottis can become floppy or collapse. Normally, your epiglottis is upright unless it’s covering the top of your larynx. Floppy or collapsed epiglottis happens when your epiglottis “flops” over onto your glottis, affecting your ability to breathe. Some healthcare providers think floppy epiglottises contribute to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

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What healthcare providers treat epiglottis issues?

Most of the time, people consult with a primary care physician if they have epiglottitis symptoms or feel as if they’re having trouble swallowing. A primary care physician may refer people to an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in issues affecting your ears, nose and throat.

Can people get cancer of the epiglottis?

Yes, but it’s hard to say how often cancer affects people’s epiglottises. That’s because epiglottis cancer is one of several forms of laryngeal cancer. Your epiglottis is in the supraglottis section of your larynx. About 35% of laryngeal cancers start in your supraglottis.

What can I do to take care of my epiglottis?

Many things can damage your epiglottis so it can’t do its job. While you can’t avoid all of the circumstances that may damage your epiglottis, here are some suggestions on how to protect it:

Quit smoking. Smoking can cause epiglottitis. If you smoke and you want to stop, ask a healthcare provider about programs and services that may help you.
Cool your hot drinks. Drinking very hot liquids can damage your epiglottis.
Protect yourself from infection. Ask a healthcare provider what vaccinations make sense. Avoid people who are sneezing and coughing.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands and avoid placing your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth and touching your face.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

There’s a reason — apart from good table manners — why you shouldn’t talk when your mouth is full of food. Every time you swallow your meal, your epiglottis moves to cover your larynx (windpipe) to keep food or liquid from getting into your larynx and possibly your lungs. Eating while talking increases the chance food or liquid will end up in your larynx, making you cough or choke as your larynx tries to dislodge food or liquid. Your epiglottis plays a big part in your respiratory health. You can take care of your epiglottis by stopping smoking and protecting yourself from infections that damage your epiglottis.

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