What should you know about laryngeal diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can create a thick coating in the throat or voice box. When the larynx is involved, swelling and secretions may narrow the airway, causing a hoarse or muffled voice, sore throat, noisy breathing or a harsh cough. The infection can also release toxins that affect the heart and nerves. A sore throat alone does not establish diphtheria, but breathing symptoms alongside a throat illness require urgent evaluation.

Treat suspected laryngeal diphtheria as an emergency: contact emergency services and avoid trying to inspect or scrape the throat. Keep the person calm and upright while waiting for help, especially if breathing is noisy. Clinicians may use antitoxin, antibiotic treatment, airway support and infection-control measures. Close contacts may need assessment, testing, preventive medicine and an immunisation review.

Call emergency services immediately for struggling, noisy or rapidly worsening breathing, blue or grey lips, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, confusion or extreme tiredness. Urgent assessment is also needed for a severe sore throat with a thick throat coating, neck swelling or a voice change. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe because airway narrowing can progress quickly.

Could diphtheria be affecting the larynx or airway? Does the person need isolation or contact tracing? Which treatment is needed now? Are household contacts protected by vaccination or in need of preventive care?