Life Threatening Stridor Due to Primary Laryngeal Tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a potentially serious infectious disease. In otorhinolaryngology practice, lymph node infection is the most common site of predilection followed by the larynx. Laryngeal tuberculosis (LTB) typically presents with dysphagia, odynophagia and hoarseness. We reported a case of primary LTB presenting with acute upper airway obstruction and respiratory distress mimicking acute supraglottitis which requires emergency tracheostomy. Therefore, in acute upper airway obstruction, the appropriate initial investigation should be done to rule out TB to make sure early treatment can be given and it may prevent complications of disease to the patient.