Pee Wee and the swelling and tenderness in the epiglottis

[Guest guest]

This is in response to Peewee1015 who has chemical sensitivities. Peewee stated that each time he/she enters a building that he/she feels swelling and tenderness in the epiglottis. Peewee asked about whether a swelling epiglottis is an indication that the environment is not safe, i.e. toxic chemicals. For those who do not know, " the epiglottis is the cartilaginous structure that overhangs the larynx like a lid and prevents food from entering the larynx and the trachea while swallowing. " (source--Mosby's Medical Dictionary -- 5th edition).

People with chemical sensitivities have a variety range of signals that they associate with a reaction to toxic chemicals. Depending on the weakest link in your chain of body parts -- your weakest link will react first. For others -- it may be different first reaction such as " brain fog " -- a/k/a difficulty thinking or concentrating. Others become agitated and hyperactive and have profound mood swings -- that completely resolve within minutes after removing themselves from the toxic environment.. Others get profound reactive airway distress -- as in a chemically induced asthma attack. I know of chemically sensitive persons who become profoundly weak and cannot walk when exposed to organophosphates -- or experience intense and immediate pain in the kidneys. Kidney pain is associated with exposure to the organophosphate pesticide Dursban, but other chemicals may also do this. I know of several chemically sensitive persons who have intense kidney pain and even kidney shutdown, when exposed to Dursban. This small list of symptoms is incomplete, but will give some idea of the range of immediate effects. Another important thing to remember is that there are many, many more symptoms than those that are described above -- for both the immediate reaction, and then later when the delayed effects hit. Many people have multiple symptoms simultaneously -- in fact that is the norm. So the question you might ask yourself is, " what is the weakest link in my body? " and " do I have a pattern of problems in the throat and epiglottis area-- even without chemical triggers? "

I would check with your doctor to see whether you have very mild, borderline epiglottis -- that in your case is triggered by chemical exposure. Epiglottis is described in Mosby's Medical Dictionary 5th edition as " an inflammation of the epiglottis. "

It goes on to say that " Acute epiglottitis is a severe form of the condition, which primarily affects children. It is characterized by fever, sore throat, stridor, croupy cough and an erythmatous, swollen epiglottis. The patient may become cyanotic and require an emergency tracheotomy to maintain respiration. The causative organism is usually Haemophilus influenzae, type B. Antibiotics, rest, oxygen, and supportive care are usually included in treatment. Also called epiglottiditis. "

(source--Mosby's Medical Dictionary -- 5th edition). Your description does not suggest an acute case… but again, check with your doctor. But remember this: It is normal for medical personnel and medical books to describe only bacterial and viral triggers for disease states. The medical profession is extremely uninformed about chemical triggers for disease processes.

Below is the original message from PeeWee that inspired my response.

Best Wishes,

Hotz

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Message: 3

Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 17:05:38 EST

From: peewee1015@...

Subject: Re: Digest Number 1585

I am a chemically sensitive individual who is trying to find a workplace

where I can work. Like the canary in the mines, I still have to try the room

out after it has been tested because I am so sensitive. Does anyone know what

role the epiglotis plays in your body? When I go into a building, I

sometimes feel swelling and tenderness in the epiglotis. The doctor cannot

tell me why. Any ideas? Is it an indicator that the environment is not safe

for me?

PeeWee1015@...

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