brand-logo

Laryngitis - Acute laryngotracheitis (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Low urgency
--

Inflammation of the upper airway and vocal cords that causes a partial obstruction to the passage of air during respiration.

Usually caused by a viral infection during the cold season.

It manifests as a cold with a barking cough, voice changes, hoarseness, noise when taking a breath and respiratory difficulty, which improves and worsens intermittently.

The diagnosis is made through clinical history and physical examination.

It can be treated at home by hydration, humidification, quietness and antipyretics if fever is present along with supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. 

Bibliographic references
  1. Craig H Zalvan, MD. Jacqueline Jones, MD. Common causes of hoarseness in children. UpToDate. Oct 10, 2016.
  2. Woodward GA. Neck trauma. In: Textbook of pediatric emergency medicine, Fleisher GR, Ludwig S, Henretig FM (Eds), Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia 2006. p.1389.
  3. Rubin MA. ford LC. Gonzales R. faringitis, otalgia y síntomas de la porción superior de vías respiratorias. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 234
  4. Carding PN, Roulstone S, Northstone K, ALSPAC Study Team. The prevalence of childhood dysphonia: a cross-sectional study. J Voice 2006; 20:623.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Hoarseness / loss of voice

    Obstructed passage of air through airway causes noise

    Cough

    Barking cough

    Inspiratory wheezing or stridor

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Cyanosis, bluish color of lips and/or nails
Difficulty thinking clearly

Self-care

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Inhale water vapor to keep the throat moist 2 times a day.
Take expectorants and mucolytics.
Avoid tobacco smoke.
Mediktor logo