The little guard in your throat: Let's talk about the Epiglottis!

When we eat or drink, sometimes we choke, don't we? Or we cough. Imagine what would happen if we went out to breathe the things we eat and drink. Isn't that dangerous? To prevent that danger, there is a wonderful protector in our throat. He is called the `(Epiglottis)`. Today, let's talk about this small but very important function of the `(Epiglottis)`.

What is `(Epiglottis)`? Let's understand it simply!

Simply put, your `(Epiglottis)` is a small, flexible piece of cartilage that is shaped like a leaf. Cartilage is a somewhat strong, but flexible tissue, like the one in our ears and nose. Its main job is to protect your `(Larynx)`, or voice box, when we speak. It also helps you swallow food. Think of your `(Larynx)` as a hollow tube. This is where the air you breathe in from your nose and mouth goes into your lungs. It is located at the top of your `(Trachea)`, or bronchi . Now look, your `(Larynx)` is open at the top to allow air to pass in easily. But, when you swallow food, this `(Epiglottis)` comes like a door and closes over the `(Larynx)`. Just like a barrier is put on a road and diverts traffic, your `(Epiglottis)` also directs food and drink (`traffic`) instead of letting it go the wrong way (to the `Larynx`), and into the right way, that is, into your esophagus (`Esophagus`). If something suddenly happens to this `(Epiglottis)`, the food and drink that should have gone into the esophagus can go into the `(Larynx).` That's when you suddenly start coughing. That cough is an attempt to get the food and drink that went into the `(Larynx)` out. Sometimes this can even cause choking. What's even more dangerous is that the food that went into the `(Larynx)` can go into the lungs through the trachea (`Trachea`). We call this `(Aspiration)`. This can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia.

How does my `(Epiglottis)` work?

Did you know that we all swallow food and saliva between 500 and 700 times a day? Isn't that amazing? Every time you swallow, your `(Epiglottis)` is activated. When you swallow something, the upper, free end of the `(Epiglottis)` folds back and closes the opening of the `(Larynx)`. When food or water approaches, this free end comes up and pushes the food or drink away from the `(Larynx)` and into the `(Esophagus`). Isn't it a very amazing mechanism?

How does the `(Epiglottis)` move to close the `(Larynx)`?

Doctors believe that several things happen to bring the epiglottis into the correct position when you swallow:

• Your ``Larynx'' and the ``Hyoid bone'' in the middle of your throat move up and forward. Then, the back of your tongue pushes against the ``Epiglottis''.
• Muscles that help keep the Epiglottis in place when food and drink enter the LarynxAnd the ligaments pull the epiglottis in response to the pressure of incoming food and drink.
• This combination of pushing and pulling causes the free end of the Epiglottis to fold back and close the top of the Larynx.
• Just as the lid of a garbage can moves up and down every time you turn it on, the free end of the epiglottis moves up and down every time you swallow. With each movement, it prevents food and drink from entering the larynx.
• When swallowing stops, the Epiglottis returns to its original position, clearing the way for air to pass through to the Larynx.

Imagine, this is like a traffic controller. The road closes at the right time, and opens at the right time!

Where is the `(Epiglottis)` located?

Your epiglottis is located behind your tongue, above and in front of your larynx. Just as a tent has two doors that can be moved freely at the front and back, the epiglottis is held in place by ligaments, muscles, and mucous membranes at the base and sides, while the top is free to move.

What are the common conditions that affect the Epiglottis?

Epiglottitis is a condition in which the epiglottis becomes swollen and inflamed. This is the most common condition that affects the epiglottis. Epiglottitis is often caused by an infection. Symptoms of epiglottitis caused by an infection come on suddenly and can progress very quickly. Common symptoms include a severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, or difficulty swallowing . The epiglottis can also become swollen for other reasons. For example:

• Drink very hot liquids.
• A hard blow to the neck.
• Smoking .
• Chemical burns.

Whatever the cause, the epiglottis can sometimes swell so much that it completely blocks the larynx, preventing oxygen from getting in. Severe epiglottitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Because oxygen is essential for the body to function. Sometimes, your epiglottis can become weak and droopy (floppy or collapse). Normally, the epiglottis is upright, except when the larynx is closed. A drooping epiglottis can fall over the glottis, causing difficulty breathing. Some doctors believe that a drooping epiglottis is also a cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a condition in which the lungs stop breathing during sleep.

What doctors treat problems related to the Epiglottis?

Most of the time, if you have symptoms of Epiglottitis or are having difficulty swallowing, the first thing people will do is see their family doctor (Primary Care Physician). Your family doctor may refer you to an Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) if necessary.

Can cancer develop in the epiglottis?

Yes, but it is difficult to say exactly how much cancer affects the epiglottis in people. The reason for this is that epiglottis cancer is a type of laryngeal cancer. Your epiglottis is located in the supraglottis of your larynx. About 35% of laryngeal cancers start in your supraglottis. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if you have persistent throat abnormalities, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes.

What can I do to take care of my Epiglottis?

There are many things that can damage your epiglottis and prevent it from doing its job properly. While you can't avoid all of these things, here are some things you can do to help protect your epiglottis:

• Avoid smoking: Smoking can cause epiglottitis. If you are a smoker and want to quit, ask your doctor about programs that can help you quit.
• Drink hot drinks after they have cooled down: Drinking very hot liquids can damage the epiglottis. It is good for the body to drink after it has cooled down a bit.
• Protect yourself from infections: Ask your doctor what vaccinations are right for you. Stay away from people who are sneezing or coughing.
• Practice good hygiene : Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your fingers, and avoid touching your face.

It's not just a matter of table manners to not talk while eating. There's a good reason for that!

Every time you swallow, your `(Epiglottis)` closes off the `(Larynx)` (windpipe), preventing food and drink from going into the `(Larynx)` and possibly into your lungs. When you talk while eating, food and drink are more likely to go into the `(Larynx).` That's when coughing and choking occur. Your `(Epiglottis)` plays a big role in your respiratory health.

Take-Home Message

So, now you understand that the Epiglottis is a small but very important part of our body.

• This is like a safety valve that helps to send food straight into the esophagus, rather than going the wrong way, that is, into the windpipe, when we swallow food.
• Epiglottitis, which is swelling of the epiglottis, can be an emergency that can cause difficulty breathing .Therefore, if you experience severe throat pain or difficulty swallowing, see a doctor immediately.
• You can keep your epiglottis healthy by doing simple things like avoiding smoking , drinking very hot beverages, and protecting yourself from infections .

So, don't forget to take care of this little guard in your throat!