The function of the epiglottis is to prevent food from entering the windpipe and to ensure proper breathing.
The epiglottis is located below the base of the tongue, in the middle of the pharynx. When swallowing food, the epiglottis descends and covers the laryngeal inlet, which in turn produces an upward reflex movement, thus effectively closing the entrance to the trachea and preventing food from entering the laryngeal cavity and trachea.
The epiglottis can be divided into the tongue surface and the laryngeal surface. The tongue surface is lax and easily becomes congested and swollen during bacterial infection. As the disease progresses, symptoms of breathlessness and difficulty in swallowing will also occur, which can easily lead to laryngeal obstruction and dyspnea.
Due to the special location of epiglottis, it is recommended that patients go to the hospital in time if epiglottis disease occurs. Patients can choose soft food with high calorie and high protein, and avoid spicy and irritating food and hard food.