Frequent hoarseness in children may be related to frequent loud crying or shouting. Daytime loud crying and shouting can irritate the throat, leading to laryngeal edema and consequently causing hoarseness. Some children experience long-term hoarseness, which may indicate laryngeal recurrent nerve palsy. In addition, some children's hoarseness is caused by congenital heart disease, and it is recommended to undergo echocardiography.
1. Acute laryngitis can also cause frequent hoarseness in children. Acute laryngitis generally occurs at night, manifesting as sudden hoarseness, barking cough, and difficulty breathing. This hoarseness is caused by acute laryngeal edema. In such cases, anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment should be given promptly, such as nebulization, and the hoarseness can usually resolve spontaneously within three days.
2. Very few children experience long-term hoarseness due to issues with their vocal cord development, such as small nodules or polyps on the vocal cords. In such cases, laryngeal endoscopy should be performed. If nodules or polyps are found in the vocal cords, surgical treatment may be required.
3. It is recommended to undergo vocal cord examination for children with frequent hoarseness. Manifestations of laryngitis, such as congestion and vocal cord hypertrophy, require the child to rest their voice and avoid excessive loud speaking. Eating more vegetables, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and avoiding dry cough are also recommended. Nebulization therapy can be performed, and traditional Chinese medicine preparations for treating laryngitis can be taken under the guidance of a doctor for symptomatic treatment.
