Laryngitis symptoms - vasculitis flare?

[Grizzly-bear]

Hi folks

I've got laryngitis symptoms (pretty sure it isn't an infection as I don't have any infection symptoms and feel generally fine - tickly throat, hoarse voice, slight pain in throat but feels a bit more bruised and isn't that bad), and muffled ears (more muffled than normal).

I'm going on my first holiday in 4 years next week and I'm not letting this stop me (just the Lake District but still somewhere other than the hospital!), but wondered whether I could be having a vasculitis flare? Ears are definitely a possibility as I've gone deaf with vasculitis before, but previously when I had bad throat symptoms with vasculitis it would feel like my throat was going into spasm when I ate and would be mega painful, so I'm not sure if vasculitis can also cause these less intense symptoms.

Anyone got experience of laryngitis-esque symptoms with vasculitis?

Thanks

[Hoofprints]

Hi there. I don't have experience myself, but my friend with another type of vasculitis (giant cell arteritis and PMR) lost her voice entirely from vasculitis. It's returned now, but she tired easily talking and is often hoarse.

So I think vasculitis can do this and maybe you could get in touch with your G.P or consultant tomorrow for advice. Doesn't mean you can't go on holiday, but might mean you need to up your dose if steroids/meds a little in the meantime and be reviewed when you return.

Have a great holiday 🍀🍀🍀

[Grizzly-bear in reply to Hoofprints]

Thanks so much for replying! I'm just on rituximab at the moment and off steroids so I am contemplating a short course to see if it helps.

[Hoofprints in reply to Grizzly-bear]

Hopefully your drs will know what to do and you will have a brilliant holiday 👍🏻🍀

[AMP2]

Hi Grizzly-bear, Yes - I had this a couple of months ago. Bruised throat, no voice, vocal cords strained. Basically - I had to stop talking, no Teams or telephone calls. Lasted about 5 days. The ENT consultant who was seeing me due to the sinusitus saw evidence of relux in the throat - they call it silent reflux i.e. I was unaware this was happening (because usually I am aware). I have been diagnosed a while back with Bile Reflux. Plus - the sinus drainage is contributing. They told me to take gaviscon liquid (I take the advance) the last thing at night before bed and when ever possible throughout the day. I also take esmeprazole 20mg twice per day morning (first before anything) and evening. This seems to have helped. I have had this again over the last few days but not as bad - but the throat did feel bruised. I am going to mention this to my consultant next week . My ears are mostly always muffled even before diagnosis and I think this is due to tinnitus - I've not noticed anything different in the ears since diagnosis. I will let you know of any further developments once I have asked my consultant about this next Tuesday. With best wishes, Anne-Marie

[Grizzly-bear in reply to AMP2]

Thank you for sharing. I already take omeprazole once daily but maybe I need to move it to twice daily. Good luck with yours, manageable but unpleasant feeling!

[AmyS1]

Yes it can affect your throat

[Main1234]

my partner had this when he was having a flare. His voice changed completely!

Needed steroids and then commenced RTX. Definitely you need to let your consultant know, but enjoy your holiday .. early intervention can make a big difference.. we left it for a while as we’re not aware it was a flare !!

[Grizzly-bear in reply to Main1234]

Thanks for responding. My voice has gone back to almost normal but throat pain still there. I’ve been resisting Prednisolone whilst on holiday as I know it’ll heighten my risk but I think I’ll likely have to start taking it again.

[Dazler99]

Hi, I have also been suffering with nose, throat and ear problems recently. Blood tests showed my white blood cells had dropped lower than normal. Rheumatologist has advised to increase my Prednisolone daily dosage.

[Grizzly-bear in reply to Dazler99]

Thanks for replying. Hope yours clears up.

Having vasculitis makes you play a constant game if working out if it’s the vasculitis or something else.

[Dazler99 in reply to Grizzly-bear]

Yes it’s definitely a hard game and a challenge to keep ahead of Vasculitis but there’s always hope for us underdogs!!!