Hoarseness is very common in children. It usually follows a cold or flu and resolves spontaneously in a few days. Voice change due to excessive use, such as screaming at a sporting event is also a frequent occurrence. However, when hoarseness persists for more than two weeks or when young infants have a hoarse cry, a specialist should examine your child’s voice box. If your child is having difficulty breathing, then hoarseness should be evaluated by a specialist immediately.

There are many causes of hoarseness in children, such as papillomas (wart-like growths) and nodules on the vocal cords, paralysis of the vocal cords, or persistent swelling of the voice box caused by reflux. All of these are treatable, but management varies and can include medicine, speech therapy, or even surgery, so determining the cause of the hoarseness is critical to successful treatment. Using topical anesthesia, a pediatric ENT can use a tiny camera in the office to look at your child’s voice box and determine how to treat your child. If your child has been hoarse for more than 2 weeks, or if you have an infant with an abnormal cry or breathing pattern, speak to your child’s physician and see an expert in Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat disorders. The physicians at Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat include fellowship trained Pediatric ENT surgeons who can evaluate your child and determine what further testing or treatment is necessary. Visit us at www.coastalhearing.com or call 732-280-7855 for an appointment. Our state of the art office with a pediatric waiting room is conveniently located at 3700 Rt 33 in Neptune.