What should you know about tuberculosis of the larynx?

The larynx contains the vocal cords and helps protect the airway. TB in this area may cause persistent hoarseness, throat pain, pain when swallowing, a cough, or difficulty breathing. It can occur when TB spreads from the lungs, although symptoms may be limited to the throat at first. A cough, fever, night sweats, or swollen glands can point to TB elsewhere, but these symptoms can have many causes. A laryngeal examination and tests such as a chest X-ray or TB screening help clinicians build the diagnosis.

Arrange a clinical assessment if hoarseness or throat symptoms persist, especially after close contact with someone who has TB. The clinician may inspect your throat, ask about voice and swallowing changes, collect samples, and check the lungs. Take prescribed TB medicines exactly as directed and attend follow-up visits; stopping early can allow infection to return or become harder to treat. Until a clinician advises otherwise, cover coughs, improve ventilation, and avoid sharing enclosed spaces during prolonged coughing.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, noisy breathing, inability to swallow fluids, or coughing up blood. Contact a clinician promptly for worsening hoarseness, painful swallowing, unexplained fever, night sweats, or a cough that does not settle. These warning signs do not confirm TB, but they warrant assessment because swelling or infection near the airway can progress.

Ask whether your symptoms could involve the larynx, which tests are needed, whether your lungs should be checked, and when you can safely return to work or close-contact activities. Tell the clinician about HIV infection, previous TB, recent exposure, and every medicine you take.