Hoarseness of voice in a child as a symptom of disease

Hoarseness and wheezing refer to sound disorders, which in turn are divided into organic and functional.

1. Symptoms of organic voice disorders - caused by damage to the neuromuscular apparatus and failure to close the vocal cords. The patient complains of severe fatigue, and in some cases the inability to perform vocal load. Against this background, there are unpleasant subjective sensations in the throat:

• Fever.
• Saddening.
• Pain and pressure.
• A lumpy feeling.
• Scratching.
• Disturbed breathing.

In toddlers of early age, organic disorders are accompanied by a pronounced lag in speech development, violation of sound pronunciation, difficulties with social contacts, delayed accumulation of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

2. Symptoms of functional voice disorders - manifested by the inability to regulate the sound of the voice, hoarseness and rapid fatigue. If dysphonia is caused by functional disorders of central character (psychogenic aphonia, hysterical mutism), it is manifested by a sharp loss of voice, the inability to speak in a whisper. At the same time, coughing and audible laughter are preserved.

Coughing and hoarseness of voice in a child

There are several causes of coughing in children, but if coughing attacks are accompanied by a violation of the sound, then, most likely, it is laryngitis. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx develops due to hypothermia or overheating of the body, various infections, overstraining of the laryngeal muscles. [1]

Laryngitis is considered a pediatric disease. In children, the laryngeal lumen has a small size, so even a minor inflammation provokes its swelling and narrowing. The painful condition is distinguished by the form and intensity of the course:

The main forms of laryngitis:

• Catarrhal.
• Stenosing.
• Hypertrophic.
• Atrophic.
• Hemorrhagic.
• Diphtheria.
• Phlegmozone.

According to the intensity of the disease is divided into acute and chronic. In the first case, the symptoms develop very sharply. The chronic process is characterized by slow development with a gradual increase in pathological symptoms.

In addition to coughing and hoarseness of voice, the child has these symptoms:

• Red and swollen throat.
• Elevated body temperature.
• Laryngeal muscle spasms.
• A sensation of dryness and a sensation of dryness in the mouth.

One of the dangers of laryngitis is croup. This respiratory pathology develops due to a severe narrowing of the laryngeal lumen. The child complains of difficulty breathing, there may be lividity on the body, indicating insufficient oxygenation of the blood. Most often croup develops at night, when the mucus accumulating in the windpipe drains and dries up, causing serious breathing problems.

Diagnosis and treatment of the painful condition is carried out by a pediatrician and otolaryngologist. To confirm the diagnosis, an anamnesis is collected and analyzed patient complaints, general examination of the child and assessment of the state of the lymph nodes. It is also necessary to visually inspect the larynx with an endoscope, taking swabs from the throat mucosa, blood and urine tests. Based on the results of these examinations, a treatment plan is drawn up. Therapy includes taking medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and a strict regimen for the child.

Dry cough and hoarseness of voice in a child

One of the most common reasons for contacting a pediatrician is a child's cough. Excruciating attacks of dry coughing, combined with sound disturbance and deterioration of general well-being exhaust the child, interfere with sleep day and night.

The presence of dry cough (sputum is not separated) and wheezing, hoarseness in the voice of the child most often indicate an acute respiratory viral infection. Unpleasant symptoms occur at the initial stage of the disease and in the first days of the cold. Viruses penetrate the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, cause swelling and irritation of tissues.

Dry cough and dysphonia are characteristic of such colds:

• ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS, ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS.
• Bronchitis.
• Tracheitis.
• Laryngitis.
• Pharyngitis.

If the dry cough is very severe or muffled, it may indicate infectious diseases (measles, whooping cough), allergic reactions due to inhalation of allergens or small foreign particles, laryngotracheobronchitis or the development of false croup. [2], [3]

In addition to coughing and changes in voice, the child complains of a sensation of feathering, saddening, something constantly irritates and interferes. Diagnosis and treatment of an unpleasant condition is handled by a pediatrician. The doctor selects drugs that reduce coughing attacks, promote the expectoration of sputum and restore the voice.

Hoarseness of voice without coughing in a child

Similar symptomatology is observed when the vocal cords are overstretched. The mucosa of the children's larynx is very sensitive, so crying, screaming or even singing causes microtraumas with ruptures of small capillaries and swelling. Against this background, hoarseness in the voice without coughing develops.

• Dysphonia can be observed in the first days of colds. But as the infectious process spreads, additional symptoms appear (cough, increased body temperature, general weakness and malaise).
• Another possible cause of the disorder is intoxication and allergic reactions. Inhalation of an allergen leads to a sharp swelling of the windpipe, voice and breathing disorders. In this case, without timely medical attention, there is a risk of suffocation.
• Dysphonia is observed in chemical and thermal damage to the mucous membrane of the ligaments and larynx, trauma, endocrine pathologies, tumor neoplasms, severe stress and fright, damage to nerve endings.

The treatment of missing voice depends on the causes and factors that triggered the disorder. Any therapy involves minimal strain on the vocal cords, moisturizing the air in the room and drinking plenty of warm water.

Hoarseness of voice and fever in a child

When air passes through the laryngeal slit, the closed ligaments produce waves, which are the voice. The thicker and longer the ligaments, the lower the sound. If the ligaments are even, the tone is clear. If the ligaments are thick and uneven, the voice becomes hoarse. There are obstacles in the path of sound waves that create interference and cause dysphonia.

If, in addition to sound disturbance, the child has a fever, it may be due to problems such as:

• Inflammatory diseases of an infectious nature.
• Overheating of the body.
• Teething.
• Reaction to vaccination(s).
• Allergic Reactions.
• Kidney disorders.

In most cases, if the pathological factors are eliminated, dysphonia goes away on its own. But if fever and dysphonia persist for a long period of time and are supplemented by other pathological symptoms (lethargy, runny nose, vomiting, liquid stools), it is necessary to seek immediate medical help.

Hoarseness of voice in a child without fever

Due to the structure of the upper respiratory tract (supplied with a huge number of blood vessels), children are very often faced with dysphonia. Dysphonia can occur with different pathological symptoms, which depend on the underlying cause of the disorder.

If the sound disturbance occurs without an elevated body temperature, it may indicate such factors:

• Laryngeal irritation.
• Vocal cord strain.
• Respiratory trauma.
• Entry of foreign objects into the larynx.
• Allergic Reactions.
• Voice mutations in puberty.
• Severe fright, excitement, stress.
• Body intoxication and other.

If dysphonia persists for a long period of time, you should seek medical help and conduct a comprehensive examination of the body. Because in some cases, voice disturbance is one of the symptoms of serious pathological processes in the body.

If the voice has died because of loud screaming or crying, i.e. Overstraining of the vocal cords, no special treatment is required. It is enough to ensure that the throat is calm and the vocal cords will recover within a few days. It is also necessary to exclude from the diet products that irritate the mucous membranes of the vocal apparatus, provide the child with plenty of water to soothe the throat and maintain moderate humidity in the room.

Sore throat and hoarseness of voice in a child

The off-season, with its temperature swings and cold winds, is a period of colds and a major cause of sore throats and dysphonia in children.

Let's take a closer look at the main causes of sound disturbance in children with sore throats:

1. Bacterial infections - they cause a painful condition in half of cases. For diagnosis, a swab is taken from the throat, sowing for bacterial flora and its resistance to antibacterial drugs. If inflammation is localized in the pharyngeal tonsils, then this indicates tonsillitis. In this case, in addition to a sore throat, the child's body temperature rises and general well-being deteriorates.
2. Viral infections - the painful condition may be caused by an acute respiratory viral infection. For example, with adenovirus, there is pharyngitis, enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes. Similar is characteristic of a bacterial infection. Violation of the voice and sore throat develop gradually. The child is lethargic, complains of headaches and body aches.
3. Irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa - this may be allergic reactions or chemical/thermal burns of the mucosa. The child complains not only of pain, but also of feverishness, itching in the throat. There may be increased lacrimation, nasal discharge, sneezing, and in some cases a dry cough.
4. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx - laryngitis occurs with sore throat and sore throat, barking cough, respiratory failure. If the disease is caused by a viral infection, the baby complains of increased fatigue and deterioration of general well-being.

Methods of treatment of sore throat and sound restoration depend on the cause that provoked them. In case of viruses, bacteria and infections, antibacterial and antimicrobial agents of local and systemic action are used. The doctor can prescribe analgesic tablets for the throat, various physical procedures and a gentle dietary regimen.

Hoarseness of voice in a child with laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx. This disease leads to a change or complete loss of sound. Most often it is faced by children. The painful condition occurs due to excessive strain on the vocal cords, infection or exposure of the mucosa to chemical irritants.

Signs of laryngitis in a child:

• Barking cough
• Pain, fever, or a feeling of a lump in the throat.
• A hoarseness or complete disappearance of the voice.
• Runny nose.
• Elevated body temperature (if the disease is caused by a virus).

When the first signs of laryngitis appear, the child should be kept at home and given plenty of warm water. Restoration of the voice will help dry heat on the neck area and vocal rest. Talking increases the swelling of the mucosa of the vocal cords. It should also be ensured that the air in the room is clean and humidified.

Depending on the cause of the disease, the doctor prescribes medications. Drug therapy includes mucolytics to transfer dry cough to productive, inhalations, gargles, various physical procedures. Special attention is paid to preventive measures, which are aimed at strengthening the immune defense of the body.

Barking cough and hoarseness of voice in a child

One type of dry cough is a barking cough. It is also called non-productive, because it coughs out only air, not sputum, that is, the airways are not cleared. Rough cough sound is caused by inflammatory swelling of the mucous membrane of the posterior wall of the larynx, vocal cords, pharynx.

Barking cough and hoarseness of voice in a child may indicate the development of a cold or inflammatory diseases (laryngitis, pharyngitis, stenotic laryngotracheitis), infectious processes (cough, scarlet fever, whooping cough, diphtheria) or allergic reactions.

Often on the background of barking cough in the child appears additional symptomatology:

• General weakness and rapid fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Sore throat.
• Headaches.
• Sleep disorders.

Coughing fits are quite painful, cause throat friction and soreness, hoarseness and even loss of voice. Due to severe swelling of the respiratory system, wheezing, shortness of breath, pallor of the skin and face occur on inhalation.

Treatment of the painful condition depends on the cause that provoked it. Children are prescribed drugs of peripheral action, which soften, reduce swelling, inflammation and irritation of the mucosa (lozenges, lozenges, plant-based syrups). Also prescribe drugs of central action, they block the cough reflex at the level of the cough center of the brain. Patients may be prescribed non-medication methods of treatment: phytotherapy and various physical procedures.

Hoarseness of voice and runny nose in a child

The nasal cavity is the upper part of the respiratory tract through which air exchange takes place. The air is warmed, moistened and purified, and the ciliated epithelium keeps pathogens out.

Young children are susceptible to rhinitis because their nasal passages are narrower and more tortuous, and the inner membrane is supplied with a large number of blood vessels. The development of runny nose contributes to the active formation of the immune system of the child. It should also be taken into account that in some cases, snot and sound changes are signs of an allergic reaction.

Stages of runny nose:

1. Breathing is difficult, no nasal discharge.
2. stuffy nose, clear discharge.
3. Bacterial inflammation of the mucosa, discharge of thick consistency and yellow-green color.

Another possible cause of difficult nasal breathing and voice changes is foreign objects in the nasal passages. But most often runny nose and hoarse voice in a child are the first symptoms of respiratory viral infection. The baby becomes tearful, his well-being deteriorates, there may be an increase in body temperature and the development of additional symptoms:

• Cough (dry, wet).
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Disturbance of taste and smell.
• Increased lacrimation.
• Reddening of the sclera.
• Irritation of the tissues near the nose.

If you let the unpleasant symptom go to waste, it can cause rhinopharyngitis, tonsillitis and other serious complications.

Treatment methods depend on the causes and symptoms of the disorder. The child may be prescribed vasoconstrictive nasal drops, therapeutic inhalations, rinsing the nasal passages with seawater or herbal decoctions. Effective properties have physical procedures: UHF, diathermy, UV irradiation, inhalation through a nebulizer and others.

Severe hoarseness in a child's voice

One of the most common causes of a pronounced voice disorder in a child is infectious inflammation of the respiratory tract. In this case, the appearance of severe hoarseness indicates lesions of the laryngeal mucosa and vocal cords. Children's larynx contains a large number of blood vessels, so in the inflammatory process, blood filling of blood vessels increases, provoking swelling and changes in sound.

Also, severe hoarseness can be provoked by such causes:

• Injuries to the larynx.
• Foreign body in the larynx.
• Excessive vocal strain.
• Severe allergic reactions.
• Laryngeal neoplasms (cysts, polyps, vocal fold tumors, fibromas).
• Laryngitis (acute, nodular, chronic).
• Laryngeal cancer.

If the painful condition is provoked by an infection, then in addition to dysphonia there are other pathological symptoms. First of all, it is a sore throat, cough, runny nose, deterioration of general well-being.

If severe hoarseness is caused by a foreign body in the larynx, the child has an attack cough, which leads to closure of the laryngeal lumen and asphyxia. The baby's skin turns blue and he stops breathing. In this case, without emergency medical care, there is a risk of death.

Dysphonia in combination with a severe febrile state is a sign of intoxication of the body. If the runny nose, lacrimation, skin rashes, itching appear abruptly, it is an allergic reaction.

The methods of treatment and restoration of sound depend on the cause of the painful condition. If a foreign body enters the larynx, emergency measures are taken to remove it. In allergic reactions, antihistamines are taken. Antimicrobial and antibacterial agents are indicated for viral infections. Timely treatment can avoid the development of complications.

Infant voice hoarseness

Voice disorders in infants are not uncommon. Most often hoarseness occurs in the second month of life. Its appearance is associated with overstraining of the vocal cords and their adaptation to new living conditions.

Causes and factors of dysphonia in infants:

• Prolonged screaming, crying.
• Realignments in the body.
• Inflammatory processes.

In some cases, a change in sound occurs for no apparent reason. If the child does not show anxiety and there are no other painful symptoms, the disorder will go away on its own.

In children over a year old, the unpleasant symptom is most often associated with overstraining and overstraining of the voice, congenital anomalies of the larynx, tumor neoplasms, psychoneurotic disorders, inflammatory, viral or infectious processes in the body. The pediatrician is responsible for identifying the cause of the disorder and developing a treatment plan.