Treatment of hoarseness in a child

Treatment methods for voice disorders are individual for each patient and depend on what caused the pathological condition.

• If these are complications of a cold, SARS, acute respiratory infections or laryngitis, then treatment includes general drugs and local therapy in the form of gargles to soften and moisturize its mucous membrane.
• Very often, children are prescribed plant-based syrups. Preparations of this form of release are suitable for patients from birth. Syrups eliminate inflammation and relieve painful symptoms, help thin and remove sputum, and accelerate voice recovery. If allergic reactions have become the cause of the disorder, then antihistamines are indicated, and in some cases, corticosteroids.
• If dysphonia is caused by bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms, then the patient is prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics (the drug is selected based on bacteriological examination). If there is a viral invasion, then antiviral agents and NSAIDs are used. In case of tumor neoplasms, surgical intervention is performed. In the future, antitumor chemotherapy is possible.

What to do with a hoarse voice in a child?

To determine which treatment methods will be most effective in eliminating hoarseness in a child , it should be established what caused the painful condition. Diagnosis is carried out by a pediatrician, an otolaryngologist and a phoniatrist.

If dysphonia is caused by infectious diseases, then antiviral drugs are indicated. To combat bacteria, antibiotics are taken, both local and systemic. If the disorder is caused by allergic reactions, then the doctor prescribes antihistamines.

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

Medications

The choice of drugs to treat the cause of hoarseness depends on many factors. Consider the main drugs used in the treatment of sound disorders caused by inflammation of the larynx. The medications used are conventionally divided into several groups, depending on the symptoms that they eliminate:

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

• Zyrtec is an antiallergic drug with the active ingredient cetirizine dihydrochloride. It has a pronounced antagonistic effect on H1 receptors, but does not affect other types of receptors. It inhibits the release of mediators included in the last phase of the development of an allergic reaction. Reduces the hyperactivity of the bronchial tree, which occurs as a response to increased secretion of histamine against the background of bronchial asthma. It is used for the symptomatic treatment of various allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The drug is effective in angioedema.
• Zodak is an antihistamine drug with a prolonged effect. Affects the early and late cellular phases of allergic reactions. Does not have a sedative effect and does not cause drowsiness. It is used as a symptomatic remedy for allergic diseases.

2. Expectorants are drugs for stopping cough attacks, thinning and improving sputum excretion.

• Parlazin is a mucolytic agent with secretomotor and secretolytic properties. Accelerates the process of expectoration of sputum by stimulating the serous cells of the glands of the bronchial mucosa and increasing the volume of the mucous secretion. It is used for diseases of the respiratory tract with the release of viscous sputum (acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, bronchial asthma with difficult sputum discharge, bronchiectasis).
• Alteika is an expectorant of plant origin. Contains mucus, pectins, organic acids and amino acids, phytosterols, fatty oils. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on reflex stimulation of the respiratory and vomiting centers of the medulla oblongata. Due to this, the peristalsis of the bronchioles increases, the activity of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi increases. Stimulates the work of the bronchial glands, causes an increase in the volume of sputum and reduces its viscosity. It is prescribed for inflammatory chronic and acute diseases of the respiratory system, which are accompanied by a cough with sputum (tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, pneumonia).
• Lazolvan is a drug with an active ingredient - ambroxol hydrochloride. Increases secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract, improves mucus secretion and reduces cough. It is used for acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract with the release of viscous sputum (acute and chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchial asthma with difficult sputum discharge, bronchiectasis, respiratory distress syndrome in premature and newborn babies.

3. Preparations for relieving discomfort in the throat - as a rule, these are syrups and lozenges with antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

• Strepsils is a combined antibacterial agent with fungicidal activity. Contains two antimicrobial agents - amylmethacreazole and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol. The interaction of the active components of the drug provides them with a wide range of antimicrobial action. Strepsils is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It has a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect. The medicine is used for 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 composition of the drug includes an active ingredient - ambazon. 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 drug-sensitive pathogens.
• Lugol - antiseptic, contains 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. Applies to children over 12 years of age.

4. Antipyretics - used in the event that the painful condition occurs with elevated body temperature.

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

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

• Glycodin is a combined antitussive agent with mucolytic action. Active components affect all pathological links of the cough reflex. This provides a quick and effective effect on cough attacks of various origins. The active substances help to alkalize the pH of sputum, which increases its volume and reduces viscosity, and 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 an exhausting unproductive 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 antitussive effect, reduces the number of cough attacks and their intensity. It has softening, anti-inflammatory and enveloping properties. Normalizes bronchopulmonary secretion, improves sputum production by reducing its viscosity, adhesive properties and expectoration. It is used for acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, which are accompanied by the release of a thick and viscous secretion or a violation of its discharge: bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma.
• Tonsilgon is a drug based on medicinal herbs. Contains extracts from dandelion herb, oak bark, walnut leaves, horsetail, yarrow and other herbs. It is used for acute and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis). It is effective in case of reduced body resistance to infectious diseases, in the complex therapy of bacterial infections of the respiratory system. It is used for prophylactic purposes in case of recurrence of chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract, as well as to prevent complications of acute respiratory viral infections.

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

Gargling with hoarseness in children

One of the most accessible and at the same time effective methods of restoring sound is gargling. With hoarseness in children, it is recommended to use a lot of warm liquid, which will soften the ligaments and relieve swelling. In addition, frequent urination will contribute to the rapid elimination of pathogenic pathogens of the respiratory system from the body.

As a drink, the following drugs are recommended:

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

As for rinsing, they, like heavy drinking, quickly relieve swelling of the larynx, reduce the severity of pain in the throat, and relieve coughing attacks. Also, rinsing removes pathogenic infectious flora from the respiratory tract.

For rinsing, decoctions of herbs, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drugs, various herbal teas (calendula, St. John's wort, thyme, violet, oregano) are used. 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 rinsing with hoarseness, the following drugs are used:

Hexoral

The drug Geksoral with antiseptic, antimicrobial, analgesic and deodorizing properties. Contains the active ingredient - hexetidine. Shows 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 infections of the larynx and oral cavity, bleeding gums. The drug is prescribed as an adjuvant for acute respiratory viral infections, as a prophylactic agent in the pre and postoperative period. Hexoral is also effective as oral hygiene for general diseases.
• Method of application: the drug is used undiluted for washing and rinsing the throat, mouth. The medicine can be applied to the affected areas of the mucous membrane with a cotton-gauze swab. The frequency and duration of the drug is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, a violation of taste sensations, discoloration of the teeth.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, patients under 3 years of age.
• An overdose develops when a large amount of the drug is swallowed. It is manifested by bouts of nausea and vomiting, which disrupts the absorption of the drug. For treatment, gastric lavage and further symptomatic therapy are indicated.

Release form: 0.1% solution in 100 ml vials; aerosol 0.2% in a 40 ml aerosol can.

Stopangin

Complex antimicrobial agent. It has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Used for local treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract in ENT practice and dentistry. The active components of the drug have a 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 deodorant and antiseptic for the treatment of the pharynx and oral cavity during surgical interventions, various injuries.
• How to use: for rinsing, take a tablespoon of the solution and keep it 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 can 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 site of application, allergic reactions are also possible. If the solution is swallowed, vomiting may occur. Side effects do not require discontinuation of the drug, as they quickly pass on their own. Cases of overdose have not been recorded.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, patients under 14 years of age, the first trimester of pregnancy, dry pharyngitis of the atrophic type.

Release form: solution for local use in vials of 100 ml; spray for local use in plastic bottles of 30 ml.

Tantum Verde

NSAIDs for local use with the active ingredient - benzydamine hydrochloride. Tantum Verde , when used locally, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Suppresses the synthesis of prostaglandins and contributes to the stabilization of cell membranes. Well absorbed through the 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. Rinses with medicine are effective for laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, glossitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, candidiasis, as well as after injuries or surgical interventions.
• Method of application: for rinsing use a tablespoon of the solution every 1.5-3 hours. The drug must not be swallowed. Lozenges take 1 pc. 3-4 times a day. Spray is used in 4-8 doses every 1.5-3 hours.
• Side effects: numbness, burning and dry mouth, various allergic reactions, sleep disturbances. Cases of overdose have not been recorded.
• Contraindications: patients under 12 years of age, allergic reactions to the components of the drug. Tablets are not prescribed for patients with phenylketonuria.

Release form: solution for topical use, 120 ml in a glass bottle; lozenges, 10 pieces per pack; spray in polyethylene bottles of 30 ml (176 doses) with dispenser and pump.

The choice of the drug is the responsibility of the attending physician. The doctor focuses on the results of the laboratory and instrumental diagnostics.

Vitamins

Comprehensive treatment of a qualitative violation of the voice function involves vitamin therapy. Vitamins are substances necessary for the body, providing and maintaining its normal functioning.

With inflammatory, infectious and other lesions of the larynx, vocal cords and other structures of the respiratory system, the following vitamins are recommended:

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

In addition to taking vitamin preparations, in order to speed up the process of restoring the voice, it is recommended to eat food with a high content of calcium, as it prevents inflammatory processes. Supplements with omega-3 fatty acids are helpful as they reduce asthma attacks.

Dietary 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).

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

Physiotherapy treatment

To reduce inflammation, swelling, intoxication and relief of coughing attacks, the following physiotherapy is recommended:

• Inhalation with a nebulizer - the procedure ensures the flow of the drug directly into the lesion, without systemic effects on the body. Various herbal and medicinal preparations are used as solutions for inhalation.
• UHF-therapy on the projection area of the larynx - has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition.
• Magnetotherapy on the larynx area - reduces swelling of the mucous membrane and relieves pain.
• UVR - increases the protective properties of the immune system, reduces inflammatory reactions, has a general strengthening effect on the body.
• Diadynamic therapy - weakens the inflammatory process, relieves spasms and swelling of the affected tissues, mucous membranes.

Also, calcium electrophoresis on the neck area, vibromassage of the larynx to stimulate the vocal apparatus can be prescribed as restorative procedures. Microwave therapy has healing properties, which has an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect, increases the protective properties of the immune system. If hoarseness is caused by chronic laryngitis, then oil and alkaline oil inhalations will help.

Alternative Treatment

Another option for restoring a hoarse voice in children is alternative methods. Such medicinal recipes involve the use of medicinal herbs and plants.

• Prepare a glass of freshly squeezed carrot juice and dilute it with warm milk in a ratio of 1:3. The drug is taken 3 times a day for 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 broth over low heat for 10-15 minutes. After cooling, strain and add ¼ cup of honey. Take the drug for 1 tbsp. Every 30 minutes.
• Add 1 egg yolk to ½ cup of warm milk and mix thoroughly. The drink is suitable for ingestion and gargling.
• Take 250 g of bran and fill them with a liter of boiling water. Boil the product for 3-5 minutes over high heat. Strain after 10-15 minutes. Add a couple of tablespoons of honey to the resulting liquid and take it instead of tea until the voice is fully restored.
• Finely chop the onion head, add 2 teaspoons of sugar and pour 150 ml of water. Put the mixture on a slow fire and boil until the onion is soft. Then remove from heat, let the medicine cool slightly and thicken. Mix with honey 1:1 and take 1 tbsp. 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Before using the above recipes for the treatment of a child, you should consult with your doctor.

Herbal treatment

Phytotherapy is another healing method used to restore a child's voice. Herbal treatment is effective for inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract, infectious diseases, overexertion of the vocal cords, hoarseness due to stress or severe fright.

Consider popular recipes based on medicinal herbs:

• Take a small piece of horseradish, finely chop and pour 100 ml of boiling water. The product 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.
• Finely mince 5-6 cloves of garlic and pour 1 cup of milk over. 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 add 250 ml of water. Add 1 tablespoon of onion juice and mix thoroughly. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day, preheating the drink in a water bath.
• Take a 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 make two tablespoons of gruel. Pour the raw material with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for an hour. After cooling, strain and take ¼ cup 4-5 times a day until the voice is completely restored and the pain in the throat is eliminated.

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

Homeopathy

Another alternative treatment method that is not supported by traditional medicine, but is used by some patients for dysphonia of various origins, is homeopathy. The principle of homeopathy is “like cures like”, that is, patients are offered highly diluted drugs that, in healthy people, cause symptoms similar to those of the patient’s illness.

Consider the main drugs prescribed for hoarseness and other sound disorders:

• Laurocerasus - stimulates microcirculation, reduces the tone of the central nervous system, reduces the production of mucus.
• Phosphorus - enhances the immune response, relieves swelling and pain during inflammation of the larynx.
• Yodum - removes swelling from the mucous membrane, suppresses the inflammatory process, inhibits the secretion of mucus.
• Hamomilla - stimulates the regeneration of damaged mucosa, has a calming effect.
• Aconite - has pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces swelling and mucus formation. Expands peripheral vessels and accelerates regeneration processes.
• Apis - relieves swelling and stops the inflammatory process of the mucous membrane 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 borne in mind that such treatment is incompatible with physiotherapy and has individual contraindications.

Surgery

The operation is a radical way to treat inflammatory processes in the larynx, which provoke hoarseness and other sound disorders. Surgical treatment and therapy in a hospital setting is rarely required.

The following indications for hospitalization are distinguished:

• Acute inflammatory process.
• Suppuration (abscess) of the epiglottis.
• Severe swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx.
• risk of developing stenosis.
• Asphyxia.

As for surgical treatment, the main indications for its implementation are:

• Laryngitis of the abscess form.
• Phlegmon of the neck (purulent inflammation of the cellular space of an acute nature).
• Narrowing of the lumen of the larynx.
• 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 a hospital. This allows you to remove dangerous symptoms under medical supervision.

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

At the same time, surgical treatment is the most radical method of treatment. Depending on the symptoms and manifestations of the pathology, the patient may be prescribed:

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

Surgical intervention is carried out using endoscopic equipment, laser and other special devices. After the operation, the patient is waiting for a long recovery period, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy.