When there is not enough air passing through your child's vocal cords, his voice will sound hoarse or husky or may disappear altogether. Hoarseness is not a disease. It is a signal that his vocal cords are not working normally.
Hoarseness can be caused by overuse of the vocal cords. Cheering at a sporting event, shouting, singing, speaking or whispering for long periods can all cause temporary hoarseness or loss of voice. Constantly clearing the throat can also cause hoarseness. A cold, sore throat or other upper respiratory infection can rob your child of his voice if the infection spreads to his voice box. This is called laryngitis.
Here are some simple tips for caring a child's Laryngitis and Hoarseness:
- Make your child rest his vocal cords. Instruct him to avoid talking and whispering as much as possible. (Whispering strains vocal cords as much as talking does.) Have him use a pencil and paper and hand gestures to communicate
- Give him plenty of fluids. Water is best to keep vocal cords hydrated
- Protect him from smoke and air pollution. Both can dry out and irritate vocal cords.
- If you live in an area with low humidity, humidify your home.
- If you have to go out in extremely cold weather, have him wear a scarf or mask over his mouth
- If he is old enough, he can suck on cough lozenges if his throat feels scratchy
- Discourage him from constantly clearing his throat.
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