A36.2: Laryngeal diphtheria
You have become infected with certain bacteria. These bacteria are called corynebacteria. These bacteria are usually transmitted person-to-person, but sometimes also from cats or dogs.
Diphtheria usually causes inflammation of the throat. The throat begins behind the mouth and nose. The throat connects the mouth and nose with the windpipe (trachea) and gullet (oesophagus). A sore throat, difficulty swallowing and fever are common with this disease. If the larynx is also inflamed, this results in hoarseness and severe coughing. The larynx can be seen particularly well in men as a bulging area at the front of the neck. This area is also called the Adam’s apple. The larynx is important for breathing and speaking. It consists mainly of cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. The vocal cords are also located in the larynx.
Grey-white or brownish coatings that may bleed usually form in the inflamed areas of the respiratory tract. Diphtheria can make you severely ill. The windpipe can swell up so severely that you may become breathless and suffocate.
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