Herpes zoster laryngitis with intractable hiccups
Introduction
Herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus infection [1]. It is often associated with impaired immunity or stress, and is characterized by unilateral herpetic vesicles and neuralgia [2], [3]. Herpes zoster of the laryngeal region is rare [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], and zoster associated with hiccups is also rare [9], [10], [11], [12]. A 73-year-old man who suffered from herpes zoster laryngitis associated with hiccups is presented here. This is the first report about the combination of laryngeal zoster and hiccups.
Section snippets
Case report
A 73-year-old man with a left-sided sore throat and intractable hiccups for 2 days was referred to the otorhinolaryngological department. The patient had mucosal swelling and erosions on the left posterior pillar, base of tongue, epiglottis, arytenoid, and aryepiglottic fold. He had a history of glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, inguinal hernia, intervertebral disk hernia, resting angina pectoris, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and herpes zoster of the left chest. He had no history of diabetes
Discussion
Herpes zoster is a common disease caused by reactivation of dormant varicella-zoster virus in the dorsal root ganglia, which may affect motor and/or sensory nerves. The prodromal symptoms include pain, a burning sensation, and tingling, which are followed by the eruption of vesicles. Herpes zoster is characterized by the unilateral distribution of the vesicles and neuralgia. Herpes zoster oticus occurs when reactivation of varicella-zoster virus infection involves the trigeminal nerve, facial
Conclusions
A rare case of herpes zoster laryngitis with intractable hiccups was presented. It is necessary to remember and identify herpes zoster, so that early treatment can be provided.
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