From the Guidelines
Yes, pertussis (whooping cough) can cause laryngitis. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which primarily affects the airways including the larynx (voice box) 1. As the infection progresses, inflammation can spread to the larynx, resulting in laryngitis symptoms such as hoarseness, voice changes, or loss of voice. This occurs because the bacteria attach to the cilia in the respiratory tract, releasing toxins that damage the airways and cause inflammation. The characteristic "whooping" sound of pertussis happens when patients try to inhale air through narrowed airways after coughing fits.
Key Points to Consider
- Pertussis can lead to laryngitis due to the spread of inflammation to the larynx 1.
- The infection is highly contagious and can cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in young infants 1.
- Treatment for pertussis typically includes antibiotics such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin, which can help reduce symptoms and prevent transmission 1.
- Early antibiotic treatment is crucial, although it may not significantly alter the course of illness if started late 1.
- Supportive care, including rest, adequate hydration, and avoiding irritants, is also important for managing both the pertussis infection and the associated laryngitis.
Management and Prevention
- Antibiotics may be warranted for patients with dysphonia secondary to pertussis or other bacterial infections 1.
- Community outbreaks of pertussis attributed to waning immunity in adolescents and adults have been reported, highlighting the importance of vaccination and preventive measures 1.
- The diagnosis of pertussis should be established prior to initiation of therapy, and clinical judgment plays an important role in diagnosis 1.
From the Research
Pertussis and Laryngitis
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that pertussis (whooping cough) can cause laryngitis 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, pertussis is a respiratory tract infection that can cause severe coughing, which may lead to complications such as respiratory failure, pneumonia, and pulmonary hypertension 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Laryngitis is not mentioned as a complication of pertussis in the provided studies, but it is mentioned as a condition that does not require antibiotic treatment 6.
- The provided studies focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pertussis, as well as its complications, but do not establish a direct link between pertussis and laryngitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.