Hoarseness

Is this your child's symptom?

• Hoarse voice is raspy and deeper than usual
• If hoarseness is severe, the child can do little more than whisper
• Cough is often present

If NOT, try one of these:

• Croup
• Nose Allergy (Hay Fever)

Causes

• Laryngitis is the medical name for a hoarse voice. Caused by an infection or irritation of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords.
• In children, most hoarseness is caused by a virus. It's usually part of a cold. The onset is slow.
• The laryngitis viruses cause Croup in younger children.
• Less often it can be caused by an allergen, such as pollen. Watery eyes and runny nose may also occur. The onset is sudden.
• Overuse of vocal cords (shouting, yelling or loud singing) can also be a cause.

When to Call for Hoarseness

Care Advice for Hoarseness

1. What You Should Know:
   • Most hoarseness is part of a common cold.
   • It means the vocal cords are irritated and swollen.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Warm Liquids:
   • Age greater than 1 year. Can sip warm fluids such as chicken broth or apple juice.
   • Age greater than 6 years. Can also suck on cough drops or hard candy. Butterscotch seems to help.
   • Age greater than 8 years. Can also gargle. Use warm water with a little table salt added. A liquid antacid can be added instead of salt. Use Mylanta or the store brand. No prescription is needed.
3. Rest the Voice:
   • Avoid yelling and screaming. Reason: it causes vocal cord strain.
   • Have your child try to talk as little as possible. He or she can also write notes for a few days.
   • Also, avoid clearing the throat. Reason: it can make hoarseness worse.
4. Fever:
   • For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Note: lower fevers help fight infections.
   • For all fevers: keep your child well-hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
5. Humidifier:
   • If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier. Reason: dry air makes hoarseness worse.
6. Avoid Tobacco Smoke:
   • Tobacco smoke makes hoarseness and coughing much worse.
7. What to Expect:
   • Hoarseness from viral laryngitis lasts 1-2 weeks.
8. Return to School:
   • Your child does not need to miss any school for a hoarse voice.
   • Your child can go back to school after the fever is gone.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Trouble breathing or swallowing occurs
   • Hoarseness lasts more than 2 weeks
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2023 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.