Treatment of hoarseness in children

For young parents, every cold in a child is stressful, because it is not always possible to detect the disease at an early stage and prevent the development of complications. Hoarseness in children can be both temporary after severe crying, and prolonged, when it refers to the symptoms of laryngitis. How to treat a hoarse voice in a child?

The first step is to consult a doctor to establish the cause of the disease, its severity and determine the tactics of treatment. Among the most common reasons, it is worth highlighting:

• overstrain of the vocal cords, when, after prolonged crying, screaming or loud singing, small capillaries rupture and swelling of the ligaments appears, due to which the voice becomes hoarse;
• acute infections of the respiratory tract of viral or bacterial origin, which lead to the spread of inflammation to the voice-forming apparatus with damage to the vocal cords;
• mechanical damage to the ligaments by a foreign object. The condition requires immediate medical attention, because breathing may be difficult and laryngospasm may develop;
• neck injuries to the anterior or lateral zone;
• an allergic reaction that develops after contact with an allergen. This can be wool, perfume, detergent, pollen, or food. Separately, the development of Quincke's edema should be highlighted, when, after an insect bite, swelling of the neck tissues appears, which compresses the respiratory organs, makes it difficult to inhale and predisposes to hoarseness; hormonal changes in adolescence, when boys' voice breaks down; general hypothermia;
• dry air in the room, polluted air outside;
• stress, fright, or intense excitement.

The voice can grow hoarse for various reasons, so the child may be disturbed not only by the changed voice, but by symptoms such as:

1. labored breathing;
2. runny nose, nasal congestion;
3. pain in the oropharynx when swallowing;
4. sore throat;
5. cough (dry, "barking", wet);
6. dyspnea;
7. hyperthermia;
8. increased sweating;
9. fast fatigue;
10. drowsiness;
11. poor appetite;
12. inattention;
13. tearfulness, moodiness.

It is possible to suspect a disease in young children by a decrease in activity, moodiness and poor appetite.

Having noticed the first signs of the disease, you should measure the temperature and consult a doctor. At the reception, the doctor asks when and how the disease began, what the child was sick with the day before, whether there are chronic diseases or allergies. Then an examination of the skin, pharynx, palpation of regional lymph nodes and auscultation of the lungs are performed, during which hard breathing with single dry wheezing can be heard.

For further diagnostics, the following is assigned:

• laryngoscopy, which makes it possible to establish the degree of narrowing of the larynx, the presence of inflammation, trauma and edema of the vocal cords;
• bacteriological analysis for the verification of infectious agents. For research, material is collected from the surface of the mucous membrane of the pharynx (smear, mucus);
• X-ray of the lungs is prescribed if pneumonia or bronchitis is suspected.

General treatment rules

In order for the treatment to lead to recovery as soon as possible, it is necessary to follow some recommendations not related to drug therapy. So, parents need:

• monitor compliance with bed rest by the child. This will help to avoid complications and restore the internal strength of the body;
• provide an abundant drink at the expense of non-carbonated mineral water, milk with soda, compote or tea. The daily volume of fluid you drink should be calculated by the pediatrician, taking into account the age, weight of the child and the presence of concomitant diseases. Drinking plenty of fluids allows you to replenish fluid loss with perspiration, activate the elimination of toxins and reduce fever;
• normalize nutrition. Chicken soup, fresh vegetables, dairy products and fruits are recommended. For the period of treatment, it is forbidden to take spicy, salty, hot and cold foods and drinks. They additionally irritate the oropharyngeal mucosa, slowing down tissue regeneration and supporting the inflammatory process;
• control voice peace. It is not recommended to shout, speak loudly, even a whisper speech should be short-lived;
• regularly carry out wet cleaning and ventilate the nursery;
• humidify the air in the room;
• exclude contact of the child with people with colds, so as not to additionally infect him.

Walking on the street is allowed only after normalization of the general condition, restoration of voice and in the absence of fever.

Systemic drug treatment

Having established the cause of the hoarseness, the doctor prescribes certain groups of drugs, the action of which is aimed at restoring the voice and relieving breathing. For this, the following may be assigned:

1. antihistamines such as Tavegil, Zodak, or Suprastin. They help reduce tissue swelling and improve breathing. Their purpose is justified not only for allergies, but also for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs;
2. antipyretics such as Paracetamol (syrup, suppositories), Nurofen (syrup);
3. mucolytic and expectorant drugs, necessary to facilitate the excretion of sputum by reducing its viscosity and expanding the bronchi. Some of the drugs have anti-inflammatory effects, such as Erespal. Children are allowed to take Flavamed, Fluditec, Lazolvan, Ascoril or Acetylcysteine;
4. antitussive drugs (Sinekod, Herbion plantain, Bronholitin) help get rid of a dry obsessive cough, inhibiting the cough reflex.

If bacterial inflammation is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. Depending on the results of bacterial culture and antibiotics, the following groups of antibiotics can be prescribed to children:

• protected penicillins - Flemoklav, Amoxiclav in the form of tablets or suspension;
• cephalosporins (Zinnat, Cefotaxime);
• macrolides (Azitrox, Sumamed).

In parallel with taking antibiotics, the child should be given probiotics that restore the microflora disturbed during antibiotic therapy. The fact is that antibacterial agents kill not only pathogenic microorganisms, but also useful ones. As a result, children develop diarrhea, bloating, colic and rumbling.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the drug Bioparox, the action of which is limited to the oropharynx, since it is produced in the form of a spray. The drug is allowed from 2.5 years of age. It kills germs and reduces inflammation.

With a viral infection, antiviral agents are used that not only have a detrimental effect on viruses, but also strengthen the immune system. For children, Amiksin, Cytovir, Groprinosin, Nazoferon, Otsilokoktsinum, Aflubin, Influcid or Remantadin can be prescribed.

Inhalation

Before starting inhalation with a nebulizer, you need to consider the following facts:

• the medicine is diluted only with saline;
• no fever above 38 degrees;
• lack of allergy to the drug used;
• after inhalation, it is not recommended to drink, eat and go outside in winter for half an hour;
• oil solutions are not allowed to be used for inhalation using a nebulizer;
• poor cleaning of the device after the procedure leads to the fact that it becomes a source of infection.

For inhalation, you can use:

1. non-carbonated alkaline mineral water. It moisturizes the throat mucosa and reduces irritation. For a procedure lasting 10 minutes, 4 ml is enough;
2. antiviral immunomodulatory agent - Interferon;
3. mucolytics - Lazolvan or Ambrobene, which reduce the viscosity of sputum and ensure its easy discharge;
4. hormonal drugs (Pulmicort). You should not be afraid of hormones, because the medicine acts locally, has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and quickly reduces tissue swelling, thereby making breathing easier. The medicine is prescribed for severe cases, the risk of laryngospasm and croup;
5. bronchodilators - Ventolin. The drug is prescribed for a complicated course, when laryngitis leads to the development of obstructive bronchitis. It expands the bronchi, making it easier to remove phlegm;
6. Rotokan, Sinupret - to fight inflammation.

Herbal solutions are not recommended to be inhaled with a nebulizer due to its strong contamination.

Decoctions can be used for regular inhalation. To prepare them, it is enough to take 10 g of medicinal herbs, for example, chamomile, calendula, oak or sage bark, pour 270 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes. When the infusion has cooled slightly, you can inhale until the medicine has completely cooled.

Essential oils are prohibited for use with a nebulizer, but can be used in the usual way (inhaling the steam over a saucepan). For inhalation, eucalyptus, menthol or fir oil is allowed. It is enough to add 2-3 drops to 400 ml of boiling water, wait until it cools down and inhale the vapors.

Before starting inhalation, you should make sure that the temperature of the medication is not too high so as not to burn the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.

Topical drug treatment

As soon as there is hoarseness in children, you can immediately start rinsing. In order to get the maximum effect from the procedure, you must adhere to the following rules:

• rinses are allowed for children over 6 years old to avoid choking or swallowing the solution;
• the procedure is carried out one hour after eating;
• after rinsing, do not drink and eat for half an hour;
• only a warm solution is used for the procedure, so as not to irritate the mucous membrane with high or low temperatures;
• during the day, you need to alternate medications.

Topical treatment can be carried out with lozenges, rinses, irrigation and lubrication of the throat mucosa.

Folk recipes

In addition to medications, alternative methods can be used to combat hoarseness of the voice. Here are some recipes for oral medication:

1. the child can be given a piece of honey for resorption (honey comb) to reduce irritation and lubricate the mucous membrane. Honey can be added to tea or warm milk;
2. 10 g of sage can be added to 230 ml of hot milk, wait 5-7 minutes, filter and drink warm;
3. 7 crushed rose hips should be boiled with 400 ml boiling water and 5 g of honey should be added. Take 100 ml twice a day;
4. 2 g of soda should be added to warm milk with a volume of 280 ml, mix and give to the child before bedtime;
5. having brewed the rosehip, you need to add the currant leaf and wait 10 minutes, then take out the leaf, add 5 g of honey and take it twice a day.

To rinse the oropharynx, you can use the following solutions:

• honey has long been used in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases, especially since children love sweets and will not give up on it. For cooking, you need to simmer 5 g of honey over low heat, pouring 240 ml of boiling water. Stirring constantly, you need to wait a few minutes, cool and use for rinsing;
• calendula, eucalyptus, and also calendula are taken in the same amount, crushed and mixed, after which 20 g of the collection is taken. Then you need to pour boiling water with a volume of 450 ml, leave for 15 minutes and use for rinsing.

In case of a cold, warming up of the feet is allowed, but the procedure is prohibited in case of fever. For warming, you can dip your feet into warm water with the addition of mustard - 25 g per 3 liters of water. The duration of the procedure is 7-10 minutes. You can also put some mustard in your socks. When a burning sensation appears, you need to change socks to clean ones. As for compresses, they are not always useful, because with hyperthermia and purulent inflammation in the oropharynx, warming is prohibited. They can lead to the spread of the purulent process to the surrounding tissues. The decision about compresses is made individually.

Regardless of what medical methods are used for the child, the main thing is the result. The procedures can be carried out in a playful way so that the child is not intimidated.

A hoarse voice will no longer appear if you are engaged in strengthening the immune system from a very early age. A young mother should not give up breastfeeding, you need to monitor the baby's nutrition, carry out hardening procedures and, if possible, limit the contact of children with people who have colds. The most important thing is not to forget about spa treatment, which is the basis for strong immunity.