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Herpetic lesions of the larynx
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Herpetic lesions of the larynx are on a par with such lesions of the pharynx. For example, these diseases include the so-called summer flu (the name adopted in the US), provoked by the viruses of Coxsackie ( Herpangina ), in which, along with the defeat of other organs (plevrodinia epidemic, meningitis Coxsaki, myocarditis Coxsaki, vesicular stomatitis with skin manifestations, etc. .), may occur and damage to the upper respiratory tract, including the larynx. However, with Coxsackie herpangina, the larynx is not necessarily involved in the pathological process, while vulgar herpetic tonsillitis is often accompanied by herpetic lesions of the laryngeal mucosa.
Simple herpes is manifested by small bubble group and single eruptions on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, soft palate, tonsils and anterior larynx. Opening up, these vesicles leave after themselves round ulcers of yellowish color, and merging, form larger superficial ulcers. Clinical manifestations of this type of herpetic lesion of the larynx are a burning sensation in the larynx, spontaneous pain radiating into the ear (otalgia), amplifying during phonation and swallowing movements; increased body temperature, general weakness and malaise.
Herpetic lesions of the larynx should be differentiated from aphthous pharyngolaryngitis and manifestations of secondary syphilis, which are not characteristic of vesicular rashes.
Herpes zoster in the larynx is extremely rare. Vesicular rashes always appear on only one side, not passing through the median line, are located along the nerve fibers of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. In some cases this form of herpetic lesions of the larynx is associated with the defeat of the trigeminal, pre-facet cochlear and facial nerves. A few days after the onset of the disease, the vesicles disappear, but one-sided paresis and paralysis of the larynx, pharynx, as well as signs of cochleovestibular dysfunctions - one-sided ear noise and hearing impairment by perceptual type, spontaneous nystagmus and dizziness of peripheral genesis ("through the labyrinth") may persist.
Diagnosis of difficulties does not cause and is based on the sign of unilateral rash of herpetic vesicles.
Treatment of herpetic lesion of the larynx does not differ from that described in the description of Herpes zoster oticus or the same lesion of the pharynx. When neurological disorders are prescribed hyperdoses of vitamins B1 and B6, antihistamines and conduct anti-edematous treatment, inject gamma globulin.
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