Red flags & when to go in person for Acute Laryngitis in Children

Audience: pediatric

Acute laryngitis in children usually causes hoarseness and a sore throat. It often results from a viral infection and tends to improve on its own within a week. Most children can be cared for at home with rest, fluids, and avoiding irritants like smoke. However, some symptoms mean a child needs to be seen in person by a healthcare provider quickly. These include trouble breathing, drooling, a high fever, or if the child is very sleepy or not responding normally. Telemedicine can help assess mild symptoms and guide care but cannot replace in-person exams when serious signs are present. Parents and caregivers should watch for red flags and seek emergency care if needed. This guidance helps families understand when to manage laryngitis at home and when to get urgent medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or chest retractions — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child drools excessively or refuses to swallow saliva — go to healthcare facility promptly.
• Child is very sleepy, difficult to wake, or unresponsive — call emergency services without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild hoarseness and sore throat symptoms.
• Guidance on home care and symptom management.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of severe breathing difficulty or airway obstruction.
• Emergency treatment for drooling or inability to swallow.
• Physical examination requiring direct visualization of the throat or airway.

What is Acute Laryngitis in Children?

Acute laryngitis is swelling and irritation of the voice box (larynx) in children. It usually happens because of a viral infection like a cold. Common signs include hoarseness, loss of voice, and a sore throat. It often lasts less than 2 weeks and gets better without special treatment.

Common Symptoms and Home Care

Children with laryngitis may have a hoarse or weak voice and sometimes a cough. They might feel tired and have a mild fever. At home, encourage rest, plenty of fluids, and avoid smoke or strong smells that can irritate the throat. Using a humidifier or sitting in a steamy bathroom may help ease symptoms.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms need urgent medical attention. If your child has trouble breathing, noisy breathing (stridor), drooling, refuses to swallow, has a high fever (above 38.5°C or 101.3°F), or is very sleepy or hard to wake, go to a healthcare facility right away. These signs may mean the laryngitis is more serious or there is another problem.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to assess your child's symptoms through video or phone. They can give advice on home care, help decide if your child needs to be seen in person, and answer questions. However, telemedicine cannot perform a physical exam or emergency treatments needed for severe symptoms.

Preventing Laryngitis

To reduce the chance of laryngitis, encourage good handwashing, keep your child away from people who are sick, avoid exposure to smoke and irritants, and keep vaccinations up to date.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's symptom history ready, including when symptoms started.
• Note any breathing difficulties or changes in alertness.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of any medications your child is taking.
• Be ready to describe your child's temperature and any other symptoms like drooling or swallowing issues.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely, especially breathing and alertness.
• Seek in-person care if red flags develop or symptoms worsen.
• Keep follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Maintain hydration and rest for your child.

FAQs

Can laryngitis in children be treated with antibiotics?

Most cases of acute laryngitis in children are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are usually not needed. Antibiotics only help if a bacterial infection is diagnosed by a healthcare provider.

How long does laryngitis usually last in children?

Laryngitis typically lasts less than two weeks. Symptoms often improve within a few days with rest and home care.

Is it safe to use a humidifier for my child with laryngitis?

Yes, using a cool-mist humidifier can help keep the air moist and soothe your child's irritated throat. Make sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold or bacteria growth.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for laryngitis?

Go to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing, noisy breathing, drooling, refuses to swallow, has a high fever, or is very sleepy or unresponsive. These signs require urgent medical care.

Sources

1. Laryngitis - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Croup and Epiglottitis - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
3. Laryngitis - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
4. Acute Laryngitis in Children - Merck Manuals Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flag symptoms or if you are concerned about their health, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.