How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Hoarseness (Laryngitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Hoarseness, often caused by laryngitis, is common in children and usually results from viral infections or voice strain. A telemedicine visit can be a convenient way to discuss your child's symptoms with a healthcare provider, especially when in-person visits are difficult. During the visit, the provider will ask about the duration and severity of hoarseness, any breathing difficulties, and other symptoms like fever or cough. Telemedicine can help guide care, recommend treatments, and decide if your child needs to be seen in person. However, some situations require urgent in-person evaluation, such as trouble breathing or swallowing. Preparing for the tele-visit by noting symptoms and having a quiet space will help the provider assess your child's condition effectively. Remember, telemedicine advice does not replace emergency care or physical exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or wheezing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child cannot swallow, is drooling excessively, or is refusing to eat or drink — seek urgent in-person evaluation.
• High fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) lasting more than 48 hours or worsening symptoms — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate hoarseness without breathing or swallowing difficulties
• Assessment of symptom history and visual examination of throat and voice
• Guidance on home care such as voice rest, hydration, and symptom monitoring

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulty or airway obstruction
• Inability to swallow or excessive drooling
• Suspected serious infections requiring physical examination or imaging
• Hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks needing specialist evaluation

What is Hoarseness and Laryngitis in Children?

Hoarseness means a change in the voice, often sounding raspy or weak. Laryngitis is swelling or irritation of the voice box (larynx), which causes hoarseness. In children, it usually happens because of viral infections like a cold, overusing the voice, or allergies. It often gets better on its own within a week or two.

When is Telemedicine Appropriate for Hoarseness?

Telemedicine can be useful if your child has mild hoarseness without serious symptoms. A healthcare provider can ask questions, observe your child's voice and breathing, and suggest home care. It is especially helpful when you cannot easily visit a clinic or hospital. Telemedicine can guide you on how to manage symptoms and when to seek further care.

Preparing for Your Child’s Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, write down:

Make sure you have a quiet space with good lighting and a device with a camera and microphone. Have a list of your child's medications and any questions ready.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The provider will ask about your child's symptoms and may ask you to help show their throat or listen to their breathing. They will assess if the hoarseness is likely from a mild cause or if more urgent care is needed. They may advise rest, hydration, and avoiding voice strain. If needed, they will recommend an in-person visit or emergency care.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

If your child has any of the following, seek in-person care promptly:

These signs may indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when hoarseness started and any changes over time
• List all symptoms including cough, fever, swallowing difficulties
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the video call
• Ensure your device’s camera and microphone work properly
• Have your child's medication list and medical history ready
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s advice on home care and symptom management
• Monitor your child’s breathing, swallowing, and fever regularly
• Keep your child hydrated and encourage voice rest
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve in expected time
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's hoarseness?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide care but cannot replace a full physical exam or tests that may be needed to diagnose the exact cause.

How long does hoarseness from laryngitis usually last in children?

Hoarseness from viral laryngitis often improves within 1 to 2 weeks with rest and home care.

When should I be worried about my child's hoarseness?

Be concerned if your child has trouble breathing, swallowing, drooling, high fever, or if hoarseness lasts more than two weeks. These require prompt medical attention.

Can I give my child medicine for hoarseness?

Most cases improve with rest and fluids. Avoid giving cough medicines or steroids unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Is it safe to do a telemedicine visit for hoarseness?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe way to discuss mild symptoms and get guidance, but it is not a substitute for emergency or in-person care when needed.

Sources

1. Hoarseness — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Laryngitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. When to Seek Medical Care for Hoarseness — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.