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Influenza laryngitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
The favorite localization of influenza infection is the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and in particular the larynx. Usually, the manifestation of influenza in this area occurs in the form of catarrhal inflammation, but in more severe forms of influenza, hemorrhagic laryngitis is often observed, manifested by submucous hemorrhages or fibrinous-exudative laryngitis with pronounced exudation of fibrin and ulceration of the mucous membrane. In young children, severe laryngotracheobronchitis, described above, occurs. With influenza laryngitis, more often than with other inflammatory processes in the larynx, abscesses and phlegmons of the larynx occur, localized in the epiglottis or aryepiglottic folds, due to their origin superinfection, in which streptococci play a leading role.
Symptoms and clinical course of laryngitis in influenza. The general condition is characteristic of a severe influenza infection, which is dominated by headache, general weakness, pain in the joints and calf muscles, high body temperature, etc. Local symptoms are not much different from the signs of banal laryngitis or vulgar abscess and phlegmon of the larynx, if influenza laryngitis is complicated by these forms of purulent inflammation. Cough, at the beginning of the disease is dry, causing a soreness and pain behind the sternum (tracheal damage), as the opportunistic microbiota is activated, becomes wet and is accompanied by abundant secretion of mucopurulent sputum. Laryngoscopic changes characteristic of influenza laryngitis occur only in its hemorrhagic form, in other cases - as in banal catarrhal laryngitis with a slightly more pronounced hyperemia of the mucous membrane. Sometimes massive swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and severe hyperemia occur, which may indicate the onset of ulcerative necrotic influenza laryngitis.
Functional disorders are manifested by dysphonia, and in case of edema - obstruction of the respiratory function of the larynx.
The diagnosis is usually based on the general clinical picture, which is much more severe than in banal catarrhal laryngitis. This picture is supplemented by hemorrhagic phenomena in the mucous membrane of the larynx.
Treatment of laryngitis with flu: local - the same as for banal or complicated laryngitis. In addition to it, spraying and inhalation of aerosol anti-flu lyophilized and hyperimmune serum, anti-flu drugs such as rimantadine, antipyretics, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, calcium preparations, diphenhydramine and other antihistamines, antipyretics are used.
The prognosis for common influenza laryngitis is favorable both in terms of the patient's life and in terms of the larynx functions. In severe forms of influenza, the prognosis is determined by the general toxic syndrome, which often ends fatally, especially in influenza hemorrhagic pneumonia.
Prevention consists of avoiding contact with people sick with acute respiratory infections during flu epidemics.
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