Cutting Off Air Supply!

[Nikki69]

First of all, I don't know what the little thing in the back of your throat that hangs down is called. But anyways, my fiance's keeps swelling up to the point that it touches the sides of his throat and when he blows out a breath, it slaps back up and lands on his tongue. I've had to rush him to the emergency room 6 times in almost 6 years for this, and all they tell him is that it's an allergic reaction, and they give him a shot of steroids, and it shrinks back down to normal. He was doing different things, and he ate different things before each occasion Any ideas about this? I was wondering could it have anything to do with snoring?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

First of all, I don't know what the little thing in the back of your throat that hangs down is called.

I think you're referring to the uvula.

But anyways, my fiance's keeps swelling up to the point that it touches the sides of his throat and when he blows out a breath, it slaps back up and lands on his tongue. I've had to rush him to the emergency room 6 times in almost 6 years for this, and all they tell him is that it's an allergic reaction, and they give him a shot of steroids, and it shrinks back down to normal. He was doing different things, and he ate different things before each occasion Any ideas about this? I was wondering could it have anything to do with snoring?

I'm not giving medical or nursing advice. This is just a guess, but it seems like your man is experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction like anaphylaxis. My throat has swollen shut several times. Perhaps your fiance may wish to avoid the things that trigger the swelling, since the airway is serious business.

[Nikki69]

what is anaphylaxis? i am only a CNA right now and my knowledge is limited.

Like I said before though, we don't know what triggers it.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

what is anaphylaxis? i am only a CNA right now and my knowledge is limited.

Like I said before though, we don't know what triggers it.

I'll be right back with a lay definition. Hang tight for a few minutes!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Okay. I am back with a definition. Click on the link for more information concerning anaphylaxis.

http://www.foodallergy.org/anaphylaxis.html

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

Have you/him gone to a primary care practitioner? Your doctor or nurse practitioner, perhaps? Or just rushing to the ED?

Anything that involves the throat swelling shut should be further investigated, and not just casually asked about on the internet. Go to your doctor.

[Nikki69]

I don't know about any of yours, but my fiance is the hardest person to get to the doctor. Must be a man thing. He wont go unless he feels like he's going to die i swear. So no, he has not been to the doc. I'm just trying to investigate, not look for a dx.

thank you very much Commuter, that is helpful, but still, the only thing that swells is his uvula. I will definately try to talk him into going to the doctor.