Hoarseness
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Is this your child's symptom?
- Hoarse voice is raspy and deeper than usual
- If hoarseness is severe, the child can do little more than whisper
- Cough is often present
If NOT, try one of these:
Causes
- Laryngitis is the medical name for a hoarse voice. Caused by an infection or irritation of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords.
- In children, most hoarseness is caused by a virus. It's usually part of a cold. The onset is slow.
- The laryngitis viruses cause Croup in younger children.
- Less often it can be caused by an allergen, such as pollen. Watery eyes and runny nose may also occur. The onset is sudden.
- Overuse of vocal cords (shouting, yelling or loud singing) can also be a cause.
When to Call for Hoarseness
When to Call for Hoarseness
Call 911 Now- Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak)
- You think your child has a life-threatening emergency
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now- Trouble breathing, but not severe
- Cannot even whisper
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
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Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours- Age less than 2 months old
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Contact Doctor During Office Hours- Allergy symptoms (such as runny nose and itchy eyes) also present
- Hoarseness lasts more than 2 weeks
- You have other questions or concerns
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Self Care at Home- Hoarse voice from a common cold
- Hoarse voice from overuse (shouting or singing)
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Call 911 Now
- Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak)
- You think your child has a life-threatening emergency
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
- Trouble breathing, but not severe
- Cannot even whisper
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours
- Age less than 2 months old
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
- Allergy symptoms (such as runny nose and itchy eyes) also present
- Hoarseness lasts more than 2 weeks
- You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
- Hoarse voice from a common cold
- Hoarse voice from overuse (shouting or singing)
Care Advice for Hoarseness
What You Should Know:
- Most hoarseness is part of a common cold.
- It means the vocal cords are irritated and swollen.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Warm Liquids:
- Age greater than 1 year. Can sip warm fluids such as chicken broth or apple juice.
- Age greater than 6 years. Can also suck on cough drops or hard candy. Butterscotch seems to help.
- Age greater than 8 years. Can also gargle. Use warm water with a little table salt added. A liquid antacid can be added instead of salt. Use Mylanta or the store brand. No prescription is needed.
Rest the Voice:
- Avoid yelling and screaming. Reason: it causes vocal cord strain.
- Have your child try to talk as little as possible. He or she can also write notes for a few days.
- Also, avoid clearing the throat. Reason: it can make hoarseness worse.
Fever:
- For fevers higher than 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Note: lower fevers help fight infections.
- For all fevers: keep your child well-hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
Humidifier:
- If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier. Reason: dry air makes hoarseness worse.
Avoid Tobacco Smoke:
- Tobacco smoke makes hoarseness and coughing much worse.
What to Expect:
- Hoarseness from viral laryngitis lasts 1-2 weeks.
Return to School:
- Your child does not need to miss any school for a hoarse voice.
- Your child can go back to school after the fever is gone.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing occurs
- Hoarseness lasts more than 2 weeks
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.