What should you know about tuberculosis laryngitis?

The larynx contains the vocal cords and helps with speaking, swallowing and protecting the airway. Tuberculosis in this area may cause persistent hoarseness, throat pain, painful swallowing, cough or a change in the voice. Fever or night sweats may occur when disease is active elsewhere, but these symptoms are not specific to tuberculosis.

A clinician may inspect the throat and larynx with a small camera and assess the lungs with imaging. A tissue or secretion sample can be examined for TB bacteria. Other causes of hoarseness, including irritation, reflux, vocal-cord problems or cancer, may need consideration, so a voice change should not be self-diagnosed.

Arrange review for hoarseness or throat discomfort that does not settle, particularly after a known tuberculosis exposure or with cough, fever or night sweats. Bring details of previous tests and medicines. The care team may arrange tuberculosis screening, a chest X-ray, sputum testing or an ear, nose and throat examination.

If tuberculosis is confirmed, treatment requires a prescribed combination of medicines taken for the advised course. Take doses as directed and report troublesome effects rather than stopping suddenly. Follow infection-control guidance if lung or airway disease could spread to close contacts.

Seek urgent care for noisy or difficult breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly worsening throat swelling, blue lips, confusion or coughing significant blood. Prompt assessment is also appropriate for persistent hoarseness, unexplained fever or a cough that continues, particularly if HIV infection or another immune problem is present.

Ask whether the larynx has been examined directly, whether the lungs also need testing, which sample can confirm tuberculosis and whether you could be infectious. Clarify medicine timing, possible side effects, voice rest, follow-up and precautions for people at home.