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Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the larynx (voice box). The larynx is part of the throat found at the entrance of the windpipe (trachea). It plays an important role in helping you breathe and speak. In the UK, there are more than 2,000 new cases of laryngeal cancer each year.
- Diagnosis
Page last reviewed: 21 October 2021 Next review due: 21...
- Treatment
The treatment for laryngeal cancer largely depends on the...
- Recovery
It involves learning to swallow air and push it out through...
- Causes
Laryngeal cancer is caused by changes in the cells of the...
- Dysphagia
Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain...
- Radiotherapy
radiotherapy injections, capsules or drinks (radioisotope...
- Diagnosis
The larynx allows the air you breathe to reach your lungs. It has a flap of skin at the top, called the epiglottis. When you swallow, the epiglottis sends food and liquid down the gullet, stopping it from going into the windpipe. The larynx contains the 2 vocal cords. The vocal cords vibrate together when air passes between them.
Aug 4, 2023 · The spiritual meaning of a swallow encompasses a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and religious significance. Whether seen soaring through the sky, nesting in trees, or appearing in dreams, the swallow holds a profound spiritual message waiting to be deciphered.
- Overview
- Function
- Anatomy
- Conditions and Disorders
Your epiglottis protects your ability to breathe by protecting your larynx (voice box). It keeps food and liquid from getting into your respiratory system. You can keep your epiglottis healthy by not smoking and protecting yourself from infection.
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How does my epiglottis work?
If you’re like most people, you swallow between 500 and 700 times a day, and your epiglottis goes into action with every swallow. When you swallow, the free end of your epiglottis flips backward to cover the opening of your larynx. When food or fluid gets close, the free end of your epiglottis flips up and pushes food or liquid away from your larynx toward your esophagus.
Where is the epiglottis located?
Your epiglottis is just behind your tongue, above and in front of your larynx. A combination of ligaments, muscles and mucous membrane anchor the base and sides of your epiglottis while leaving the top of your epiglottis loose and able to move. (Think of a tent with the back and sides tied down and the front flaps left untied so you can push them aside.) Advertisement
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. Other things may make your epiglottis swell, such as drinking very hot liquids, being hit in your neck, smoking or chemical burns. 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.
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. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/06/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.
Your larynx is a hollow tube in the middle of your neck, just above your trachea (windpipe) and esophagus. It makes it possible for you to make sounds, which is why it’s also called your voice box. It also lets air pass from your throat to your trachea and on to your lungs.
Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or drinks, while others cannot swallow at all. Signs of dysphagia include: coughing or choking when eating or drinking. bringing food back up, sometimes through the nose. a feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest.
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Sep 7, 2024 · You may know your larynx as your voice box. It’s the part of your throat that allows you to speak and make sounds. Your larynx does more than that, though.
