Forceful sneeze: An uncommon cause of laryngeal fracture

Abstract

Laryngeal fractures are generally induced by direct blunt or penetrating trauma to the neck. Coughing vigorously or sneezing forcefully is extremely rare causes of laryngeal fractures, with only 4 cases found after thorough literature search. Herein we present a case of a 34-year-old male presenting to the ENT emergency room with throat pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, and hoarseness. Following primary evaluation, through physical examination and imaging he was diagnosed with thyroid cartilage fracture and treated conservatively. The triad of odynophagia, dysphagia, and dysphonia after a severe episode of coughing or sneezing in a young adult male patient should prompt suspicion of a laryngeal fracture.

Keywords

• Laryngeal fracture
• Thyroid cartilage
• Sneezing
• Coughing