Treatment of hoarseness of voice in a child

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

• If these are complications of a cold, acute respiratory viral infection, acute respiratory infection or laryngitis, then treatment includes general-action medications and local therapy in the form of gargling to soften and moisturize the mucous membrane.
• Very often children are prescribed herbal syrups. Preparations of this form of release are suitable for patients from birth. Syrups eliminate inflammation and relieve painful symptoms, promote liquefaction and removal of phlegm, accelerate the restoration of the voice. If the disorder is caused by allergic reactions, then antihistamines are indicated, and in some cases, corticosteroids.
• If dysphonia is caused by bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms, the patient is prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics (the drug is selected taking into account the bacteriological study). If there is a viral invasion, 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 if a child has hoarseness?

To determine which treatment methods will be most effective in eliminating hoarseness in a child, it is necessary to establish what caused the painful condition. Diagnostics is carried out by a pediatrician, otolaryngologist and phoniatrist.

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

To eliminate discomfort in the throat, local antibacterial drugs are used in the form of syrups and lozenges. Inhalations (steam, with a nebulizer) and gargling with medicinal solutions have pronounced therapeutic properties. Particular attention is paid to a regimen that is gentle on the vocal cords, which involves silence.

Medicines

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

1. Antihistamines – reduce swelling of the mucous membrane, normalize the general condition of the patient.

• Zyrtec is an antiallergic drug with the active component 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. It 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 symptomatic therapy of various allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The drug is effective in angioedema.
• Zodak is an antihistamine drug with a 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 remedy for allergic diseases.

2. Expectorants are drugs used to stop coughing fits, thin and improve the removal of phlegm.

• Parlazin is a mucolytic agent with secretomotor and secretolytic properties. It accelerates the process of expectoration of sputum by stimulating serous cells of the glands of the bronchial mucosa and increasing the volume of mucous secretion. It is used for respiratory diseases with the release of viscous sputum (acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, bronchial asthma with difficulty in expectoration of sputum, bronchiectasis).
• Marshmallow is an expectorant of plant origin. 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 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 secreted 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, pulmonary emphysema, pneumonia).
• Lazolvan is a medicine with the active component - ambroxol hydrochloride. Increases mucus secretion in the respiratory tract, improves mucus discharge and reduces cough. It is used for acute and chronic respiratory diseases with the release of viscous sputum (acute and chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchial asthma with difficulty in expectorating sputum, bronchiectasis, respiratory distress syndrome in premature and newborn babies.

3. Medicines for relieving discomfort in the throat are usually syrups and lozenges with antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

• Strepsils is a combined antibacterial agent with fungicidal activity. Contains two antimicrobial substances - amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol. The interaction of the active components of the drug provides their broad 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 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 surgery.
• Faringosept - the drug contains the active component - ambazon. It is used in the treatment of oral diseases. 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, contains iodine. It has bactericidal and fungicidal properties. It has a local irritant 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 old.

4. Antipyretic drugs are used if the painful condition is accompanied by an elevated body temperature.

• Nurofen is a NSAID 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 reaction 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 in infectious and 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 the suppression of excitability of the thermoregulation center and the suppression of the synthesis of prostaglandins, inflammation mediators. Paracetamol is prescribed for symptomatic therapy 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 with a mucolytic effect. The active components affect all pathological links of the cough reflex. This ensures a fast and effective effect in coughing fits of various origins. The active substances help alkalize the pH of sputum, thereby increasing its volume and reducing viscosity, improving the process of elimination 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 fits in the postoperative period, especially after surgical manipulations on the abdominal cavity.
• Mucaltin is an effective expectorant with secretolytic and bronchodilator properties. It has an antitussive effect, reduces the number of coughing attacks and their intensity. It has softening, anti-inflammatory and enveloping properties. It normalizes bronchopulmonary secretion, improves sputum secretion by reducing its viscosity, adhesive properties and expectoration. It is used for acute and chronic respiratory diseases that are accompanied by the release of thick and viscous secretion or impaired discharge: bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma.
• Tonsilgon is a herbal preparation. 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 for reduced resistance to infectious diseases, in the complex therapy of bacterial infections of the respiratory system. It is used for prophylactic purposes in case of relapses of chronic upper respiratory tract infections, as well as for the prevention of complications of acute respiratory viral infections.

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

Gargling for hoarseness in children

One of the most accessible and at the same time effective methods of sound restoration is gargling. In case of hoarseness of voice in children, it is recommended to drink a lot of warm liquid, which will soften the ligaments and relieve swelling. In addition, frequent urination will help to quickly remove pathogenic agents of respiratory diseases from the body.

The following medications are recommended for drinking:

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

As for gargling, it, like drinking plenty of fluids, quickly relieves swelling of the larynx, reduces the severity of painful sensations in the throat, and alleviates coughing fits. Gargling also removes pathogenic infectious flora from the respiratory tract.

For rinsing, use herbal decoctions, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drugs, various herbal infusions (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.

The following medications are used for rinsing in case of hoarseness:

Hexoral

The medicinal product Hexoral has antiseptic, antimicrobial, analgesic and deodorizing properties. Contains the active component - hexetidine. It exhibits a broad spectrum of action against gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, destroys their cell membrane and suppresses 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 for acute respiratory viral infections, as a preventive measure 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 rinsing and gargling the throat and oral cavity. The medicine can be applied to the affected areas of the mucous membrane using a cotton-gauze swab. The frequency and duration of use of the drug is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, taste disturbances, tooth discoloration.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, patients under 3 years of age.
• An overdose occurs when a large amount of the drug is swallowed. It manifests itself in attacks of nausea and vomiting, which disrupts the absorption process of the drug. Gastric lavage and further symptomatic therapy are indicated for treatment.

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

Stopangin

Complex antimicrobial agent. Has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Used for local treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases in ENT practice and dentistry. The active components of the drug have a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms.

• 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 treating the pharynx and oral cavity during surgical interventions, various injuries.
• Directions for use: For rinsing, take a tablespoon of the solution and hold it in the mouth for no longer than 30 seconds. The procedures are carried out 3-5 times a day, after meals or between meals. The medicine must 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. When swallowing the solution, vomiting may occur. Side effects do not require discontinuing 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 atrophic pharyngitis.

Release form: solution for topical use in 100 ml bottles; spray for topical use in 30 ml plastic bottles.

Tantum Verde

NSAID for local use with the active component benzydamine hydrochloride. Tantum Verde has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects when used locally. It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and helps stabilize cell membranes. It is well absorbed through mucous membranes and accumulates in inflamed tissues. It is excreted by the digestive system and kidneys.

• Indications for use: infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx. Rinsing with the medicine is effective for laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, glossitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, candidiasis, as well as after injuries or surgeries.
• Directions for use: Use a tablespoon of solution every 1.5-3 hours for rinsing. Do not swallow. Take 1 lozenge 3-4 times a day. Spray 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 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 package; spray in polyethylene bottles of 30 ml (176 doses) with a dispenser and pump.

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

Vitamins

Complex treatment of qualitative voice dysfunction involves vitamin therapy. Vitamins are substances necessary for the body, ensuring and supporting its normal functioning.

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

• A – maintains the health of skin cells, the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract, digestive tract, urinary tract and eye structures. Retinol promotes growth and affects the body's immune responses.
• Group B – B1 is part of enzymes that regulate carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism in the body. Supports the functioning 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 transportation of various microelements by the blood. B9 promotes the formation of red blood cells. B12 activates the processes of nerve cell growth, amino acid metabolism, and hematopoiesis. B4 protects cell membranes from damage and destruction, improves metabolic reactions. B8 increases the elasticity of arterial walls, improves blood fluidity.
• PP – is a part of enzymes involved in cellular respiration, oxidation-reduction reactions, and protein metabolism. Stimulates 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 processes of new cells and bone tissue.
• E – acts as a vasodilator, affects sexual functions, helps with attacks of hypertension and angina.
• K – takes part in the blood clotting process, reduces capillary permeability, stops bleeding.
• H – is a part of 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 vascular walls, promotes better tolerance of stressful situations.

In addition to taking vitamin supplements, to speed up the process of voice restoration, it is recommended to eat food with a high calcium content, as it prevents inflammatory processes. Food supplements with omega-3 fatty acids will be useful, as they reduce asthma attacks.

To improve the general condition and eliminate painful symptoms, dietary magnesium is recommended. 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, products 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 stop coughing attacks, the following physiotherapy procedures are recommended:

• Inhalation with a nebulizer - the procedure ensures the drug is delivered directly to 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 zone – has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition.
• Magnetic therapy on the larynx area reduces swelling of the mucous membrane and relieves pain.
• UFO – increases the protective properties of the immune system, reduces inflammatory reactions, and has a general strengthening effect on the body.
• Diadynamic therapy – reduces inflammation, relieves spasms and swelling of affected tissues and mucous membranes.

Also, medicinal calcium electrophoresis on the neck area, vibromassage of the larynx to stimulate the vocal apparatus can be prescribed as restorative procedures. Microwave therapy has therapeutic properties, it 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.

Folk remedies

Another option for restoring a hoarse voice in children is folk methods. Such treatment 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. Take the remedy 3 times a day, ½ a glass at a time. Instead of milk, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of honey. In this case, take the carrot-honey mixture 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 and add ¼ cup of honey. Take the preparation 1 tbsp. every 30 minutes.
• Add 1 egg yolk to ½ cup of warm milk and stir thoroughly. The drink is suitable for internal use and gargling.
• Take 250 g of bran and pour a liter of boiling water over it. Boil the remedy for 3-5 minutes over high heat. Strain after 10-15 minutes. Add a couple of spoons of honey to the resulting liquid and take it instead of tea until your voice is completely restored.
• Finely chop the onion, add 2 teaspoons of sugar and 150 ml of water. Put the mixture on low heat and simmer until the onion becomes 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 to treat a child, you should consult with your doctor.

Herbal treatment

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

Let's look at popular recipes based on medicinal herbs:

• Take a small piece of horseradish, chop it finely and pour 100 ml of boiling water over it. Let the remedy brew for 20 minutes. Then add some sugar or honey to it and mix well. Take 1 teaspoon every hour for 1-2 days.
• Finely chop 5-6 cloves of garlic and pour 1 glass 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 in 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 brew for an hour. After cooling, strain and take ¼ glass 4-5 times a day until your voice is completely restored and sore throat is gone.

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 the signs of the patient's disease.

Let's look at the main medications prescribed for hoarseness and other speech disorders:

• Laurocerasus – stimulates microcirculation, reduces the tone of the central nervous system, reduces mucus production.
• Phosphorus - enhances the immune response, relieves swelling and pain during inflammation of the larynx.
• Iodum - relieves swelling of the mucous membrane, suppresses the inflammatory process, inhibits mucus secretion.
• Chamomilla – stimulates the regeneration of damaged mucous membranes, has a calming effect.
• Aconite – has pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces swelling and mucus formation. Dilates 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-mentioned 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 physiotherapy and has individual contraindications.

Surgical treatment

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

The following indications for hospitalization are identified:

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

As for surgical treatment, the main indications for it are:

• Laryngitis of abscessing 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 complications, the patient is placed in a hospital setting. This allows for the removal of dangerous symptoms under medical supervision.

Surgical intervention in advanced inflammatory processes is aimed at preventing the degeneration of affected tissues into malignant formations. The operation 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 method of treatment. Depending on the symptoms and manifestations of the pathology, the patient may be prescribed:

• Opening of an abscess using 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 in case of their hypertrophy or edematous-polyposis form of the disease.

Surgical intervention is performed using endoscopic equipment, lasers and other special devices. After the operation, the patient will have a long recovery period, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, and undergoing physiotherapy.