Hoarseness of voice in a child as a symptom of disease

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

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

• Sore throat.
• Soreness.
• Pain and pressure.
• Feeling of a lump.
• Scratch.
• Disturbed breathing.

In young children, organic disorders are accompanied by a significant delay in speech development, impaired pronunciation, difficulties with social contacts, and delays in the accumulation of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

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

Cough and hoarseness in a child

There are several reasons for the appearance of cough in children, but if coughing fits are accompanied by a disturbance in 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, overstrain of the muscles of the larynx. [ 1 ]

Laryngitis is considered a childhood disease. In children, the lumen of the larynx is small, so even minor inflammation provokes its swelling and narrowing. The disease is distinguished by its form and intensity:

The main forms of laryngitis:

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

According to intensity, 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, the child experiences the following symptoms:

• Red and swollen throat.
• Elevated body temperature.
• Spasms of the laryngeal muscles.
• A feeling of dryness and irritation in the mouth.

One of the dangers of laryngitis is croup. This respiratory pathology develops due to a strong narrowing of the larynx. The child complains of difficulty breathing, the body may become cyanotic, indicating insufficient oxygen saturation of the blood. Most often, croup develops at night, when the mucus accumulating in the respiratory tube drains and dries, causing serious breathing problems.

A pediatrician and otolaryngologist are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. To confirm the diagnosis, anamnesis is collected and the patient's complaints are analyzed, a general examination of the child and an assessment of the condition of the lymph nodes are carried out. A visual examination of the larynx with an endoscope, a smear from the throat mucosa, blood and urine tests are also necessary. Based on the results of the examinations, a treatment plan is drawn up. Therapy includes taking medications, physiotherapy procedures and a strict regime for keeping the child.

Dry cough and hoarseness in a child

One of the most common reasons for visiting a pediatrician is a child's cough. Painful attacks of dry cough, combined with impaired sound and deterioration of general well-being, exhaust the child and prevent sleep during the day and at night.

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

Dry cough and dysphonia are typical for the following colds:

• ARI, ARVI.
• Bronchitis.
• Tracheitis.
• Laryngitis.
• Pharyngitis.

If the dry cough is very strong or dull, 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 the voice, the child complains of a tickling, sore feeling, something constantly irritates and interferes. The pediatrician is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of the unpleasant condition. The doctor selects medications that reduce coughing fits, promote the discharge of phlegm and restore the voice.

Hoarseness without cough in a child

Similar symptoms are observed when the vocal cords are overstrained. The mucous membrane of the child's larynx is very sensitive, so crying, screaming or even singing cause microtrauma with ruptures of small capillaries and swelling. Against this background, hoarseness in the voice develops without coughing.

• Dysphonia may be observed in the first days of colds. But as the infectious process spreads, additional symptoms appear (cough, elevated 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 respiratory tube, voice and breathing disorders. In this case, without timely medical care, there is a risk of suffocation.
• Dysphonia is observed with chemical and thermal damage to the mucous membrane of the ligaments and larynx, injuries, endocrine pathologies, tumors, severe stress and fright, damage to nerve endings.

Treatment of a lost voice depends on the causes and factors that provoked the disorder. Any therapy involves minimal strain on the vocal cords, humidifying the air in the room and drinking plenty of warm drinks.

Hoarseness and fever in a child

When air passes through the larynx gap with the ligaments closed, waves are formed, which are the voice. The thicker and longer the ligaments, the lower the sound. If the ligaments are even, the tone of the sound is clear. When the ligaments are thickened and uneven, the voice becomes hoarse. Obstacles arise in the path of sound waves, which create interference and cause dysphonia.

If, in addition to the sound disturbance, the child has a high temperature, this may be due to problems such as:

• Inflammatory diseases of an infectious nature.
• Overheating of the body.
• Teething.
• Reaction to vaccination (vaccinations).
• Allergic reactions.
• Kidney dysfunction.

In most cases, when pathological factors are eliminated, hoarseness goes away on its own. But if the temperature and dysphonia persist for a long period of time and are accompanied by other pathological symptoms (lethargy, runny nose, vomiting, loose stools), then you should immediately seek medical help.

Hoarseness in a child without fever

Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the upper respiratory tract (supplied with a huge number of blood vessels), children very often encounter dysphonia. Hoarseness of the voice can occur with various pathological symptoms, which depend on the underlying cause of the disorder.

If the sound disturbance occurs without an elevated body temperature, this may indicate the following factors:

• Irritation of the larynx.
• Overstrain of the vocal cords.
• Respiratory system injuries.
• Foreign objects entering the larynx.
• Allergic reactions.
• Voice mutations during puberty.
• Severe fear, anxiety, stress.
• Intoxication of the body and other.

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

If the voice has become hoarse due to loud screaming or crying, i.e. overstraining the vocal cords, then no special treatment is required. It is enough to provide the throat with calm and the vocal cords will recover within a few days. It is also necessary to exclude from the diet foods that irritate the mucous membranes of the vocal apparatus, provide the child with plenty of fluids to soften the throat and maintain moderate humidity in the room.

Sore throat hoarseness in a child

The off-season, with its temperature changes and cold winds, is the period of colds and the main cause of sore throats and dysphonia in children.

Let's take a closer look at the main causes of speech impairment in children with painful sensations in the throat:

1. Bacterial infections – they are the cause of the painful condition in half of the cases. For diagnosis, a throat swab is taken, a culture is made for bacterial flora and its resistance to antibacterial drugs. If the 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 worsens.
2. Viral infections – the painful condition may be caused by an acute respiratory viral infection. For example, with adenovirus, pharyngitis and enlarged cervical lymph nodes are observed. This is typical for a bacterial infection. Voice disorder and sore throat develop gradually. The child is lethargic, complains of headaches and body aches.
3. Irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx - this can be an allergic reaction or chemical/thermal burns of the mucous membrane. The child complains not only of pain, but also of a sore throat, itching. Increased lacrimation, nasal discharge, sneezing, and in some cases a dry cough may occur.
4. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx - laryngitis occurs with sore throat and irritation, barking cough, respiratory failure. If the disease is caused by a viral infection, the baby complains of increased fatigue and deterioration of general health.

Methods of treating a sore throat and restoring the sound depend on the cause that provoked them. For viruses, bacteria and infections, antibacterial and antimicrobial agents of local and systemic action are used. The doctor can prescribe painkillers for the throat, various physiotherapy procedures and a gentle diet.

Hoarseness 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, children encounter it. The painful condition occurs due to excessive strain on the vocal cords, infection, or exposure to chemical irritants on the mucous membrane.

Signs of laryngitis in a child:

• Barking cough
• Pain, irritation, or a feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Hoarseness or complete loss of 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 drinks. Dry heat on the neck and voice rest will help restore the voice. Talking increases swelling of the vocal cords. You should also make sure 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 convert a dry cough into a productive one, inhalations, gargles, and various physiotherapy procedures. Particular attention is paid to preventive measures aimed at strengthening the body's immune defense.

Barking cough and hoarseness in a child

One of the types of dry cough is barking. It is also called unproductive, since only air is coughed up, not phlegm, that is, the respiratory tract is not cleared. The rough sound of the cough is caused by inflammatory swelling of the mucous membrane of the back wall of the larynx, vocal cords, and pharynx.

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

Often, against the background of a barking cough, a child develops additional symptoms:

• General weakness and rapid fatigue.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sore throat.
• Headaches.
• Sleep disorders.

Coughing attacks are quite painful, causing a sore throat, hoarseness and even loss of voice. Due to severe swelling of the respiratory system, wheezing, shortness of breath, and pale skin and face occur when inhaling.

Treatment of the disease depends on the cause that provoked it. Children are prescribed peripheral drugs that soften, reduce swelling, inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane (lozenges, candies, herbal syrups). Central drugs are also prescribed, they block the cough reflex at the level of the cough center of the brain. Patients may be prescribed non-drug treatment methods: herbal medicine and various physiotherapy procedures.

Hoarseness and runny nose in a child

The nasal cavity is the upper part of the respiratory tract through which air exchange occurs. The air is warmed, moistened and cleaned, and the ciliated epithelium retains pathogenic microorganisms.

Small children are prone to developing rhinitis, as their nasal passages are narrower and more tortuous, and the inner lining is supplied with a large number of blood vessels. The development of a runny nose is facilitated by the active formation of the child's immune system. It should also be taken into account that in some cases, snot and a change in sound are signs of an allergic reaction.

Stages of a runny nose:

1. Breathing is difficult, there is no discharge from the nose.
2. Stuffy nose, clear discharge.
3. Bacterial inflammation of the mucous membrane, discharge of a thick consistency and yellow-green tint.

Another possible cause of difficulty breathing through the nose and voice changes is foreign objects in the nasal passages. But most often, a runny nose in combination with a hoarse voice in a child are the first symptoms of a respiratory viral infection. The baby becomes whiny, his health worsens, his body temperature may rise and additional symptoms may develop:

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

If you let this unpleasant symptom go untreated, it can cause nasopharyngitis, tonsillitis and other serious complications.

Treatment methods depend on the causes and symptoms of the disorder. The child may be prescribed vasoconstrictor nasal drops, therapeutic inhalations, rinsing the nasal passages with a solution of sea water or herbal decoctions. Physiotherapy procedures have effective properties: UHF, diathermy, UV irradiation, inhalations through a nebulizer and others.

Severe hoarseness in a child

One of the most common causes of severe voice disorder in a child is infectious inflammation of the respiratory tract. In this case, the appearance of severe hoarseness indicates damage to the mucous membrane of the larynx and vocal cords. The child's larynx contains a large number of blood vessels, so during the inflammatory process, the blood filling of the vessels increases, causing swelling and a change in sound.

Also, severe hoarseness can be caused by the following reasons:

• Laryngeal injuries.
• Foreign body in the larynx.
• Excessive vocal strain.
• Severe allergic reactions.
• Neoplasms of the larynx (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, other pathological symptoms arise. First of all, these are sore throat, cough, runny nose, and deterioration of general well-being.

If severe hoarseness is caused by a foreign body in the larynx, the child will have a paroxysmal cough, which will lead to the closure of the larynx and asphyxia. The child's skin will turn blue and he will stop breathing. In this case, without emergency medical care, there is a risk of death.

Dysphonia in combination with a severe fever is a sign of intoxication of the body. If a runny nose, watery eyes, skin rashes, itching suddenly appear, then this is an allergic reaction.

Treatment and restoration methods depend on the cause of the painful condition. If a foreign body gets into the larynx, emergency measures are taken to remove it. Antihistamines are taken for allergic reactions. Antimicrobial and antibacterial agents are indicated for viral infections. Timely treatment helps to avoid complications.

Hoarseness in a baby

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

Causes and factors of dysphonia in infants:

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

In some cases, the sound changes for no apparent reason. If the child does not show anxiety and no other painful symptoms arise, the disorder will go away on its own.

In children over one year of age, the unpleasant symptom is most often associated with overstrain and overfatigue of the voice, congenital anomalies of the larynx, tumor neoplasms, psychoneurotic disorders, inflammatory, viral or infectious processes in the body. A pediatrician is involved in identifying the cause of the disorder and drawing up a treatment plan.