Hoarse voice in babies can be due to various reasons ranging from overuse of vocal cords to viral infections. The common cold is the most common cause of hoarseness in babies. Babies who cry a lot may also experience hoarseness due to overuse of vocal cords. Although some people may use dysphonia and hoarseness interchangeably, these are different conditions. Dysphonia involves issues with voice production, resulting in poor voice quality, affecting communications skills. In comparison, hoarseness is a rough voice (1). Read on to know the causes, treatment, and prevention of hoarse voices in babies.
What Causes A Hoarse Voice In Babies?
Dr. Paul Patterson, a board-certified pediatrician and expert in developmental and behavioral pediatrics from Bethesda, Maryland, says, “Everyone has differences in vocal qualities, and some voices may naturally be more hoarse than others, not necessarily indicating a problem. There are also various reasons for a hoarse vocal quality in babies. Crying and screaming during times of distress can cause some hoarseness but typically is present only for two to three days.” The most common cause of hoarseness is cold, and sometimes cold with cough and runny eyes (2). However, hoarseness could also be due to many other reasons, such as: In rare cases, a baby may be born with abnormalities in the airway that can cause hoarseness.
When To See A Doctor?
Dr. Patterson adds, “The key is listening for a persistent hoarse vocal quality when it is lasting longer than a week and may be accompanied with behaviors that cause muscular tension (for example, excessive amount and time of screaming and crying or snoring at night time). Check in with a pediatrician if a child has an illness or fever or is acting differently accompanying the hoarse voice.” It is good to see a doctor if, along with hoarseness, the baby (6):
Has a weak voice that does not seem to get better, or the voice stays hoarse for several weeks. Makes no sound while crying or makes a sharp, abnormal sound while crying. Has a sore throat that lasts a long time. Coughs continuously, and it does not seem to get better.
Has trouble while breathing and makes wheezing sounds while breathing. Loses their appetite or has a problem while swallowing.
The doctor will diagnose the underlying cause of hoarseness by inspecting the baby’s throat. Blood and sputum tests may be needed for diagnosing infections. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe the necessary course of treatment.
How Is Hoarse Voice In Babies Treated?
The treatment of hoarse voice depends on its cause, duration of hoarseness, the baby’s age and health history at large, which the doctor is likely to ask you during a consultation. Depending on the symptoms and health in general, you might be sent to an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist). An otolaryngologist will view the vocal folds to get a proper understanding of the probable cause of hoarseness. Treatment is suggested once a confirmed diagnosis is made (1). However, the use of antibiotics for treating hoarseness is not recommended (10). Hoarseness of voice can be highly irritating for the baby. You may alleviate the discomfort, before or during the treatment, with the use of natural remedies. But as you plan to do so, check with your doctor about the efficacy and safety of the remedy.
Home Care For Hoarse Voice
Here is what you can do to prevent or reduce the hoarseness of a baby’s voice (1): Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Causes of hoarse voice Home care measures
