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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Repeated Episodes Of Sudden Blockage In Epiglottis Flap, Breathing Difficulty, Eases On Using Heimlich Maneuver For Opening. Cause?

My significant other is 83. He can be sitting and watching t.V. when his eppiglotal flap closes and he can t breathe. I have to use the Heimlick maneuver to force it to open so that he can breathe. This started about 10 years ago. He was fine for a couple of years but has had 3 episodes this past week. It is very frightning for both of us. What is causing this?
Thu, 2 Jan 2014
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi. At the age of 83 of the patient i would advice to seek medical attention to undergo ENT / Upper GI Endoscopy and Consultation with neurologist if necessary. There can be an somatic problem. It is always better to get diagnosed as failed Heimlich Maneuver can lead to a very serious life threatening problem .
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Repeated Episodes Of Sudden Blockage In Epiglottis Flap, Breathing Difficulty, Eases On Using Heimlich Maneuver For Opening. Cause?

Hi. At the age of 83 of the patient i would advice to seek medical attention to undergo ENT / Upper GI Endoscopy and Consultation with neurologist if necessary. There can be an somatic problem. It is always better to get diagnosed as failed Heimlich Maneuver can lead to a very serious life threatening problem .