Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Hoarseness (Laryngitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Hoarseness, often caused by laryngitis, is common in children and usually improves with simple care. It happens when the voice box (larynx) becomes irritated or inflamed, often due to infections, allergies, or voice strain. Most cases get better on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. Telemedicine can help evaluate mild hoarseness and guide care at home. However, some signs mean a child needs to be seen in person quickly. These include trouble breathing, swallowing problems, or hoarseness lasting more than two weeks. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps keep your child safe and ensures they get the right treatment. This guide explains red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for a virtual visit about hoarseness in children.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or stridor (high-pitched wheezing) – seek emergency care immediately.
• Trouble swallowing or drooling – go to urgent care or emergency room.
• Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks – arrange in-person evaluation to rule out serious causes.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild hoarseness without breathing or swallowing problems.
• Guidance on home care such as voice rest, hydration, and humidifiers.
• Assessment of symptom history and advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulties or noisy breathing (stridor).
• Difficulty swallowing or drooling.
• Persistent hoarseness lasting over two weeks.
• Severe throat pain with high fever.

What Causes Hoarseness in Children?

Hoarseness in children is usually due to laryngitis, which means inflammation of the voice box. Common causes include:

Most cases are mild and improve with rest and fluids.

When to Use Telemedicine for Hoarseness

Telemedicine can be a good first step if your child has mild hoarseness without other serious symptoms. A healthcare provider can:

This helps avoid unnecessary trips to the clinic while keeping your child safe.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms need urgent in-person evaluation. Go to the emergency room or see a doctor right away if your child has:

These signs may mean a more serious problem that needs immediate treatment.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual visit, prepare by:

This helps the provider give the best advice.

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

After your telemedicine appointment:

Stay in touch with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when hoarseness started and any other symptoms.
• List recent illnesses, exposures, and allergies.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Have your child ready to show their throat or neck if requested.
• List all current medicines your child is taking.

After your tele-visit

• Follow home care instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Monitor your child for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms persist.
• Keep your child comfortable with rest and fluids.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.

FAQs

How long does hoarseness usually last in children?

Hoarseness caused by laryngitis often improves within 1 to 2 weeks with rest and simple care. If it lasts longer than 2 weeks, an in-person evaluation is recommended.

Can I give my child medicine for hoarseness?

Most hoarseness improves without medicine. Your healthcare provider may suggest using a humidifier, throat lozenges (for older children), or pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always follow dosing instructions and check with your provider first.

When should I worry about my child's hoarseness?

Seek immediate care if your child has trouble breathing, noisy breathing (stridor), difficulty swallowing, drooling, severe throat pain with high fever, or if hoarseness lasts more than 2 weeks.

Is hoarseness contagious?

Hoarseness itself is not contagious, but the infections causing it, like colds or flu, can spread to others. Practice good hand hygiene and keep your child away from others when sick.

Can allergies cause hoarseness in children?

Yes, allergies can irritate the voice box and cause hoarseness. Managing allergies with avoidance of triggers and medications may help improve symptoms.

Sources

1. Hoarseness in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Laryngitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hoarseness (Laryngitis) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Laryngitis — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has any concerning symptoms or red flags, please seek immediate medical attention.