Loratadine is an antihistamine that is sold under the brand name of Claritin. This medication is used to treat hay fever and allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching and watery eyes.
Epiglottis. The epiglottis is a flap of soft cartilage, covered by a mucous membrane. It is attached to the back of the tongue and acts as a valve during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the lungs. This valve closes when we swallow food, liquid, even saliva, without us having to think about doing so.In other words, it is an unconscious action.t is attached to the back of the tongue and acts as a valve during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the lungs. This valve closes when we swallow food, liquid, even saliva, without us having to think about doing so.
Valves created by the lips and tongue keep food in the mouth and in place prior to swallowing. The valve created by the cricopharyngeous muscle at the top of the esophagus keeps air out of the digestive system during breathing. The valve created by the soft palate keeps food out of the nasal airway during swallowing. The soft palate elevates to prevent the bolus from refluxing into the nasal cavity. 2  The hyoid and larynx elevate and the epiglottis moves downward to protect the entrance to the airway. 3  This movement of the hyoid also initiates relaxation of the cricopharyngeus muscle and opening of the esophagus.