ROLE OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY IN THE INTERDISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT OF LARYNGEAL TUBERCULOSIS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (2023), tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death from communicable diseases worldwide. Laryngeal tuberculosis is an uncommon extrapulmonary manifestation, accounting for approximately 1% of all cases, and it most frequently presents with dysphonia.

We report the case of a 31 year old female patient who presented with persistent dysphonia lasting seven months, refractory to multiple medical treatments. The speech therapy assessment raised the suspicion of laryngeal tuberculosis, a diagnosis subsequently confirmed by the Otorhinolaryngology Department at a public hospital in Buenos Aires City.

Throughout the diagnostic process and pharmacological treatment, voice therapy was implemented to preserve laryngeal function. The interdisciplinary collaboration between Speech Pathology and Otorhinolaryngology was crucial for the recovery of vocal function and the improvement of the patient’s quality of life.