Laryngitis is a condition that affects the voice box or larynx, causing hoarseness or complete loss of voice.

While it can affect people of all ages, children are particularly susceptible to this condition due to their developing immune systems and frequent exposure to viruses and bacteria.

If your child is experiencing laryngitis, it can be a distressing experience for both of you. However, there are steps you can take to manage the symptoms and help your child recover.

In this article, we will discuss what to do when your child has laryngitis.

1. Identify the symptoms

The first step in managing your child’s laryngitis is to identify the symptoms. Common symptoms of laryngitis in children include:.

Hoarseness or loss of voice
Pain or discomfort in the throat
Dry or sore throat
Coughing or clearing the throat frequently
Breathing difficulties
Fever

2. Provide plenty of fluids

One of the most important things you can do when your child has laryngitis is to ensure they stay hydrated. Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and diluted fruit juices.

Hydration helps thin the mucus and reduce the throat irritation, allowing the vocal cords to heal.

3. Encourage rest and voice rest

Resting the voice is crucial for the healing process when your child has laryngitis. Encourage your child to limit or avoid speaking altogether.

Whispering can strain the vocal cords even more, so it’s best to communicate through writing or other non-verbal means during this time.

Additionally, ensure that your child gets enough rest overall. Adequate sleep promotes healing and gives their body the energy it needs to fight off infections.

4. Use a humidifier

Dry air can irritate the throat and worsen laryngitis symptoms. Consider using a humidifier in your child’s room to add moisture to the air. This can help soothe their throat and reduce coughing.

5. Avoid irritants

While your child is recovering from laryngitis, it’s essential to avoid irritants that can further aggravate the throat. This includes tobacco smoke, air pollution, strong chemical odors, and dry environments.

Minimizing exposure to these irritants can aid in the healing process.

6. Offer honey and warm liquids

Honey has soothing properties and can help alleviate throat discomfort. For children above the age of one, you can offer warm liquids with a teaspoon of honey, such as herbal tea or warm water with lemon.

Honey should not be given to children under one year of age.

7. Use over-the-counter remedies with caution

Over-the-counter remedies like cough syrups and lozenges may be tempting, but they are generally not recommended for young children. These products often contain ingredients that can have unwanted side effects or interactions.

It’s best to consult with a pediatrician before using any medication or remedies.

8. Create a steam tent

Steam can provide relief for laryngitis symptoms. Create a steam tent by filling the bathroom with steam from a hot shower. Sit with your child in the bathroom for around 15 minutes to let them inhale the warm moisture.

The steam can help soothe their throat and reduce coughing.

9. Monitor for complications

While laryngitis is usually a mild condition that resolves on its own, it’s important to monitor your child for any signs of complications.

If their symptoms worsen, they develop difficulty breathing, or they have a high fever, seek medical attention promptly.

10. Prevent future occurrences

While laryngitis can be challenging to prevent entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.

Encourage good hand hygiene in your child, teach them proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and ensure they receive timely vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections.

By following these tips, you can effectively manage your child’s laryngitis and help them recover more quickly. Remember, if you have any concerns or if the symptoms persist, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional.