diphtheritic laryngitis

Diphtheritic laryngitis is a type of laryngitis, which is the inflammation of the larynx or voice box. This specific form is caused by the spread of diphtheria, an acute infectious disease, from the upper throat down into the larynx. Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.123

In diphtheritic laryngitis, a membrane composed of white blood cells, fibrin, and dead cells can form on the surface mucous membrane of the larynx. If parts of this membrane detach and lodge at the vocal cords, they can obstruct the airway. This condition can lead to serious complications, including blockage of the airway, requiring medical intervention such as inserting a tube or performing a tracheotomy.1