Treatment of hoarseness of voice in a child

Methods of treatment of voice disorders are individualized for each patient and depend on what caused the pathological condition.

• If this is a complication of a cold, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections or laryngitis, then treatment includes drugs of general action and local therapy in the form of throat rinses to soften and moisturize its mucosa.
• Very often children are prescribed syrups on a vegetable basis. Preparations of this form of release are suitable for patients from birth. Syrups eliminate inflammation and alleviate painful symptoms, promote liquefaction and excretion of sputum, accelerate the recovery of voice. If the cause of the disorder was allergic reactions, then it is indicated to take antihistamines, and in some cases, corticosteroids.
• If dysphonia is caused by bacteria and other pathogens, then the patient is prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics (the drug is selected taking into account the bacteriological study). If there is a viral invasion, then antiviral agents and NSAIDs are used. With tumor neoplasms, surgical intervention is performed. In the future, antitumor chemotherapy is possible.

What to do in case of hoarseness of voice in a child?

In order to determine which treatment methods will be most effective in eliminating voice hoarseness in a child, it is necessary to establish what caused the painful condition. Diagnosis is performed by a pediatrician, otolaryngologist and phoniatrician.

If dysphonia is caused by infectious diseases, antiviral drugs are indicated. Antibiotics, both local and systemic, are taken to fight bacteria. If the disorder is caused by allergic reactions, the doctor prescribes antihistamines.

To eliminate discomfort in the throat use local antibacterial drugs in the form of syrups, tablets for resorption. Inhalations (steam, with nebulizer) and gargling of the throat with medicinal solutions have pronounced therapeutic properties. Particular attention is paid to a gentle mode for the vocal cords, which implies silence.

Medications

The choice of drugs to treat the cause of hoarseness depends on many factors. Let's consider the main drugs used in the treatment of sound disturbance caused by inflammation of the larynx. The medications used are conditionally divided into several groups, depending on the symptoms they eliminate:

1. Antihistamines - reduce swelling of the mucosa, normalize the general condition of the patient.

• Zyrtec is an anti-allergic drug with the active component - cetirizine dihydrochloride. It has a pronounced antagonistic effect on H1 receptors, but does not affect other types of receptors. Inhibits the release of mediators included in the last phase of allergic reaction development. Reduces hyperactivity of the bronchial tree, arising as a response to increased histamine secretion against the background of bronchial asthma. It is used for symptomatic therapy of various allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The drug is effective in angioedema.
• Zodac is an antihistamine drug with prolonged effect. It affects the early and late cellular phases of allergic reactions. It does not have a sedative effect and does not cause drowsiness. It is used as a symptomatic agent in allergic diseases.

2. Expectorants are medicines to stop coughing fits, liquefy and improve the expectoration of sputum.

• Parlazine is a mucolytic agent, has secretomotor and secretolytic properties. It accelerates the process of expectoration of sputum by stimulating serous cells of glands of bronchial mucosa and increasing the volume of mucous secretion. It is used in diseases of the respiratory tract with viscous sputum (acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, bronchial asthma with difficult expectoration of sputum, bronchiectatic disease).
• Alteika is an expectorant of plant origin. It contains mucus, pectin substances, organic acids and amino acids, phytosterols, fatty oils. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on reflex stimulation of respiratory and vomiting centers of the medulla oblongata. This increases the peristalsis of bronchioles, increases the activity of bronchial vesicular epithelium. Stimulates the work of bronchial glands, causes an increase in the volume of sputum secreted and reduces its viscosity. It is prescribed for inflammatory chronic and acute respiratory diseases, which are accompanied by cough with sputum production (tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiectatic disease, pulmonary emphysema, pneumonia).
• Lazolvan is a medicinal product with the active ingredient ambroxol hydrochloride. Increases mucus secretion in the respiratory tract, improves mucus secretion and reduces cough. It is used in acute and chronic respiratory tract diseases with viscous sputum (acute and chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchial asthma with difficult expectoration of sputum, bronchiectatic disease, respiratory distress syndrome in premature and newborn children.

3. Medications to relieve throat discomfort - usually syrups and lozenges with antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

• Strepsils is a combined antibacterial agent with fungicidal activity. It contains two antimicrobial substances - amyl methacreazole and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol. The interaction of the active components of the drug provides their wide spectrum of antimicrobial action. Strepsils is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It has a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect. The drug is used in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx, caused by sensitive microorganisms. It is used in ENT practice and dentistry after surgical interventions.
• Pharyngosept - the drug contains the active ingredient - ambazone. It is used in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity. It has bacteriostatic properties, acts locally. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of pharyngitis, stomatitis, tonsillitis, gingivitis and other lesions of the oropharynx caused by pathogens sensitive to the drug.
• Lugol is an antiseptic agent containing iodine. It has bactericidal and fungicidal properties. It has a local irritating effect. Lugol is prescribed for inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and infectious lesions of the pharynx. It is used for children over 12 years of age.

4. Antipyretics - used if the painful condition runs with an elevated body temperature.

• Nurofen is an NSAID with pronounced anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on inhibition of the effect of Nurofen on the synthesis of substances that maintain an active inflammatory response in the body. The drug is used for severe pain syndrome with lesions of the peripheral nervous system. It is prescribed for rheumatoid diseases, fevers in infectious-inflammatory diseases.
• Paracetamol is a drug with antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (moderately expressed). The mechanism of action of the drug is based on inhibition of excitability of the thermoregulatory center and inhibition of synthesis of prostaglandins, inflammatory mediators. Paracetamol is prescribed for symptomatic therapy of pain syndrome of various etiologies of medium and mild intensity.

5. Syrups with anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and analgesic properties.

• Glycodin is a combined cough suppressant with mucolytic action. Active components affect all pathological links of the cough reflex. This provides a rapid and effective effect in coughing attacks of various origins. The active ingredients help to alkalize the pH of sputum, which increases its volume and reduces viscosity, improves the process of excretion from the body. The main indications for the use of the drug include: acute and chronic respiratory diseases of various origins with exhausting non-productive cough. Reduction of clinical symptoms of acute laryngitis sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis. Symptomatic treatment of productive cough in the early stages. Elimination of coughing attacks in the postoperative period, especially after surgical manipulations on the abdominal cavity.
• Mukaltin is an effective expectorant with secretolytic and bronchodilator properties. It has an anti-cough effect, reduces the number of coughing fits and their intensity. Has emollient, anti-inflammatory and enveloping properties. Normalizes bronchopulmonary secretion, improves sputum secretion by reducing its viscosity, adhesive properties and expectoration. It is used in acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, which are accompanied by the release of thick and viscous secretion or violation of its discharge: bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectatic disease, bronchial asthma.
• Tonsilgon is a preparation based on herbs. It contains extracts of dandelion herb, oak bark, walnut leaves, horsetail, yarrow and other herbs. Used in acute and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis). Effective in low resistance to infectious diseases, in the complex therapy of bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. Used for prophylactic purposes in relapses of chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract, as well as to prevent complications of acute respiratory viral infections.

All medications are prescribed only by the attending physician, who evaluates the condition of the child and the results of the diagnosis.

Throat gargle for hoarseness of voice in children

One of the most affordable yet effective methods of restoring sound is throat gargling. With hoarseness of voice in children, it is recommended to consume a lot of warm liquid, which will soften the ligaments and reduce swelling. In addition, frequent urination will contribute to the rapid elimination of pathogenic agents of diseases of the respiratory system.

As a drink, the following preparations are recommended:

• Infusions and decoctions of herbs with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect (sage, marigold, chamomile).
• Unsalted mineral waters (Narzan, Essentuki No. 2, No. 4).
• Morses of berries (raspberries, currants, cranberries, cranberries).
• Green unsweetened tea.
• Fruit compotes without sugar.

As for gargles, they, like copious drinking, quickly relieve swelling of the larynx, reduce the severity of painful sensations in the throat, relieve coughing attacks. Also gargles remove pathogenic infectious flora from the respiratory tract.

For rinses use decoctions of herbs, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic medicines, various phyto-collections (calendula, St. John's wort, thyme, violet, oregano). The procedure is carried out at least 5-6 times a day. To increase the therapeutic activity of local therapy, it is recommended to use drugs of combined action.

For gargles for voice hoarseness, such preparations are used:

Hexoral

Medicinal product Hexoral with antiseptic, antimicrobial, analgesic and deodorizing properties. It contains the active component - hexetidine. It has a wide spectrum of action against Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms, destroys their cell membrane and inhibits metabolic processes.

• Indications for use: inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and oral cavity, fungal lesions of the larynx and oral cavity, bleeding gums. The drug is prescribed as an adjuvant in acute respiratory viral infections, as a prophylactic agent in the pre- and postoperative period. Also Hexoral is effective as oral hygiene in general diseases.
• How to use: the drug is used in undiluted form for rinsing and gargling of the throat, mouth. The drug can be applied to the affected areas of the mucous membrane with a cotton-gauze swab. The frequency and duration of use of the drug is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, taste disturbance, discoloration of teeth.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, patients under 3 years of age.
• Overdose develops when a large amount of the drug is swallowed. It is manifested by attacks of nausea and vomiting, which disrupts the absorption of the drug. For treatment, gastric lavage and further symptomatic therapy are indicated.

Form of release: a solution of 0.1% in vials of 100 ml; aerosol 0.2% in an aerosol bottle 40 ml.

Stopangin

Complex antimicrobial agent. It has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It is used for local treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases in ENT practice and dentistry. Active components of the drug have bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on a wide range of pathogens.

• Indications for use: inflammatory diseases of the pharynx of various etiologies, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, candidiasis of the mucous membranes of the mouth and larynx. The drug can be used as a deodorizing and antiseptic agent for treatment of the pharynx and oral cavity during surgical interventions, various injuries.
• How to use: for rinses take a tablespoon of solution and keep in the mouth for no longer than 30 seconds. Procedures are carried out 3-5 times a day, after meals or between meals. The medicine should not be swallowed, the course of treatment is 5-7 days.
• Side effects: the drug is well tolerated, in rare cases there is a burning sensation at the application site, allergic reactions are also possible. Vomiting may occur if the solution is swallowed. Side effects do not require withdrawal of the drug, as they quickly pass on their own. No cases of overdose have been recorded.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, patients under 14 years of age, first trimester of pregnancy, dry pharyngitis of atrophic type.

Form of release: solution for topical use in vials of 100 ml; spray for topical use in plastic vials of 30 ml.

Tantum Verde

Topical NSAIDs with the active ingredient benzidamine hydrochloride. Tantum Verde when used topically has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins and promotes stabilization of cell membranes. Well absorbed through mucous membranes, accumulates in inflamed tissues. Excreted by the digestive system and kidneys.

• Indications for use: infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx. Gargles with the drug are effective in laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, glossitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, candidiasis, as well as after injuries or surgical interventions.
• How to use: for gargling use a tablespoon of solution every 1.5-3 hours. The drug should not be swallowed. Tablets for resorption take 1 pc. 3-4 times a day. Spray is used for 4-8 doses every 1.5-3 hours.
• Side effects: numbness, burning and dry mouth, various allergic reactions, sleep disorders. No cases of overdose have been recorded.
• Contraindications: patients under 12 years of age, allergic reactions to the drug components. Tablets are not prescribed for patients with phenylketonuria.

Form of issue: solution for topical use of 120 ml in a glass bottle, tablets for resorption of 10 pieces in a package, spray in polyethylene bottles of 30 ml (176 doses) with a dispenser and pump.

The choice of medication is made by the attending physician. The doctor is guided by the results of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics.

Vitamins

Comprehensive treatment of qualitative voice dysfunction involves vitamin therapy. Vitamins are substances necessary for the body to ensure and maintain its normal functioning.

In inflammatory, infectious and other lesions of the larynx, vocal cords and other structures of the respiratory system, it is recommended to take these vitamins:

• A - supports healthy cells in the skin, upper respiratory tract epithelium, digestive tract, urinary tract and structures of the eye. Retinol promotes growth and influences the body's immune responses.
• Group B - B1 is a member of enzymes that regulate carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism in the body. It supports the work of the central and peripheral nervous system. B2 ensures the course of metabolic and oxidative processes, utilization of amino acids. B3 takes part in the metabolism of fatty acids, and B6 in the processes of fat and protein metabolism, blood transportation of various trace elements. B9 contributes to the formation of red blood cells. B12 activates the processes of nerve cell growth, amino acid metabolism, hematopoiesis. B4 protects cell membranes from damage and destruction, improves metabolic reactions. B8 increases the elasticity of arterial walls, improves blood flow.
• PP - is a member of enzymes involved in cellular respiration, redox reactions, protein metabolism. Stimulates the processes of hematopoiesis, wound healing, and also affects the regulation of higher nervous activity.
• C - involved in enzyme reactions, increases the body's resistance to infectious diseases.
• D - regulates phosphorus-calcium metabolism, simulates the growth processes of new cells and bone tissue.
• E - acts as a vasodilator, affects sexual function, helps with attacks of hypertension and angina pectoris.
• K - takes part in the process of blood coagulation, reduces capillary permeability, stops bleeding.
• H - is a member of enzymes regulating the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids, promotes the breakdown of intermediate products of carbohydrate metabolism.
• P - strengthens vascular wall permeability, promotes better tolerance to stressful situations.

In addition to taking vitamin preparations, to accelerate the process of voice recovery, it is recommended to consume food with a high calcium content, as it prevents inflammatory processes. Supplements with omega-3 fatty acids will be useful, as they reduce choking attacks.

Nutritional magnesium is recommended to improve the general condition and eliminate painful symptoms. It is found in wheat bran, sprouted grains, lentils, pumpkin seeds, nuts, soybeans, peas and fish (sea bass, flounder, halibut, herring, cod, mackerel).

Foods with a high content of vitamin C (rose hips, citrus fruits, raspberries, strawberries) are recommended to increase immune defense. Plant foods with retinol and tocopherol (carrots, spinach, pumpkin, green cabbage, avocado, asparagus, beans, peach) act as catalysts of metabolic processes.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

To reduce inflammation, swelling, intoxication and coughing attacks, these physical procedures are recommended:

• Nebulizer inhalation - the procedure ensures that the drug is delivered directly to the focus of the lesion, without systemic effects on the body. Various herbal and medicinal preparations are used as solutions for inhalation.
• UHF therapy on the larynx projection area - has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition.
• Magnetotherapy on the larynx - reduces swelling of the mucous membrane and relieves pain.
• UVO - increases the protective properties of the immune system, reduces inflammatory reactions, has a tonic effect on the body.
• Diadynamotherapy - weakens the inflammatory process, relieves spasms and swelling of the affected tissues, mucous membranes.

Also as recovery procedures can be prescribed medicinal electrophoresis of calcium on the neck area, vibromassage of the larynx to stimulate the vocal apparatus. Therapeutic properties have microwave therapy, which has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, increases the protective properties of the immune system. If the hoarseness is caused by chronic laryngitis, oil and alkaline-oil inhalations will help.

Folk treatment

Another option to restore hoarse voice in children is folk methods. Such therapeutic recipes involve the use of medicinal herbs and plants.

• Prepare a glass of freshly squeezed carrot juice and dilute it with warm milk in the proportion of 1:3. The remedy is taken 3 times a day ½ cup. Instead of milk, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of honey. In this case, the carrot-honey mixture is taken 1-2 teaspoons 4-5 times a day.
• Pour 250 ml of water into a saucepan and add ¼ cup of anise seeds. Boil the decoction on low heat for 10-15 minutes. After cooling, strain it and add ¼ cup of honey. Take the preparation 1 tbsp. Every 30 minutes.
• In ½ cup of warm milk add 1 yolk of a hen's egg and stir thoroughly. The drink is suitable for ingestion and gargling the throat.
• Take 250 g of bran and pour a liter of boiling water over it. Boil the remedy for 3-5 minutes on high heat. After 10-15 minutes, strain it. In the resulting liquid add a couple of spoons of honey and take instead of tea until the voice is fully restored.
• Finely chop the onion head, pour 2 teaspoons of sugar and 150 ml of water over it. Put the mixture on low heat and boil until the onion becomes soft. Then remove from the heat and let the remedy cool down a bit and thicken. Mix with honey 1:1 and take 1 tbsp. 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes before meals.

Before using the above recipes to treat your child, you should consult your doctor.

Herbal treatment

Phytotherapy is another therapeutic method used to restore the child's voice. Treatment with herbs is effective in inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract, infectious diseases, overstraining of the vocal cords, hoarseness due to stress or severe fright.

Consider popular recipes based on herbs:

• Take a small piece of horseradish, finely chop and pour 100 ml of boiling water. The remedy should be infused for 20 minutes. Then add a little sugar or honey to it, mix well. Take 1 teaspoon every hour for 1-2 days.
• Thoroughly crush 5-6 garlic cloves and pour 1 cup of milk. Put the mixture on the fire and bring to a boil, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3-5 times a day.
• Take two tablespoons of white raisins and pour 250 ml of water. Add 1 tablespoon of onion juice and mix thoroughly. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day, preheating the drink on a water bath.
• Take cabbage and squeeze a glass of juice from it. Take 1 teaspoon of warm juice 3-4 times a day. After taking the herbal remedy, it is recommended not to eat or drink anything for an hour.
• Grate the radish on a large grater to get two tablespoons of gruel. Pour a glass of boiling water over the raw material and let it infuse for an hour. After cooling, strain and take ¼ cup 4-5 times a day until the voice is fully restored and sore throat is eliminated.

Before using the above recipes, you should make sure that there are no allergic reactions to their components.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is another alternative treatment method that is not supported by conventional medicine, but is used by some patients for dysphonia of various origins. The principle of homeopathy is "like cures like", i.e. Patients are offered highly diluted preparations that in healthy people cause symptoms similar to those of the patient's disease.

Let's consider the main drugs prescribed for hoarseness and other sound disorders:

• Laurocerazus-stimulates microcirculation, reduces the tone of the central nervous system, reduces the production of mucus.
• Phosphorus-increases immune response, relieves swelling and painful sensations in inflammation of the larynx.
• Iodum- relieves swelling of the mucous membrane, suppresses the inflammatory process, inhibits the release of mucus.
• Hamomilla - stimulates regeneration of damaged mucosa, has a soothing effect.
• Aconite - has pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces swelling and mucus formation. It dilates peripheral vessels and accelerates regeneration processes.
• Apis - relieves swelling and reduces inflammation of the mucosa and vocal cords.

In addition to the above monopreparations, complex homeopathic remedies can be used for treatment. They simultaneously affect several systems in the pathological process.

When using homeopathy, you should not expect a guaranteed quick effect. It should also be taken into account that such treatment is incompatible with physical therapy and has individual contraindications.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is a radical way to treat inflammatory processes in the larynx that cause hoarseness and other sound disturbances. Surgical treatment and inpatient therapy are rarely required.

The following indications for hospitalization are distinguished:

• Acute inflammatory process.
• Festering (abscess) of the epiglottis.
• Severe swelling of the laryngeal mucosa.
• Risk of developing stenosis.
• Asphyxia.

With regard to surgical treatment, the main indications for its implementation are:

• Abscessive laryngitis.
• Phlegmon of the neck (purulent inflammation of the cellular space of an acute nature).
• Narrowing of the laryngeal lumen.
• Lack of effectiveness of drug therapy.

All of the above indications can cause respiratory dysfunction. To prevent the development of complications, the patient is placed in hospital conditions. This makes it possible to relieve dangerous symptoms under medical supervision.

Surgical intervention in neglected inflammatory processes is aimed at preventing the degeneration of affected tissues into malignant formations. Surgery partially/completely eliminates the main symptoms of the disease and minimizes the risk of its exacerbation in the future.

In this case, surgical treatment is the most radical way of treatment. Depending on the symptoms and manifestations of pathology, the patient may be prescribed:

• Abscess dissection with indirect laryngoscopy.
• Excision of altered tissue.
• Conicotomy/tracheostomy for stenosis.
• An opening of the mediastinum or phlegmon.
• Removal of pathologically enlarged areas of the vocal cords in their hypertrophy or edematous-polyposis form of the disease.

Surgical intervention is performed using endoscopic equipment, laser and other special devices. After surgery, the patient is expected to undergo a long recovery period, take anti-inflammatory drugs, and undergo physiotherapy.