laryngeal diphtheria

Laryngeal diphtheria is a severe form of diphtheria, an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This type of diphtheria occurs when the infection spreads from the upper throat down into the larynx, or voice box.12

The primary danger in laryngeal diphtheria is the formation of a thick, grayish membrane composed of bacteria, dead cells, and fibrin. This membrane can obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult and potentially leading to suffocation. In such cases, a medical procedure like a tracheotomy may be necessary to restore the airway. While diphtheria was once a major global health threat, immunization measures have significantly reduced its incidence in many parts of the world.12