Contrary to popular belief, disorders that affect the vocal cords can occur in children in addition to adults. However, voice disorders can affect children differently than they affect adults. If your child is showing signs of a voice disorder, they should be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat specialist with experience in pediatric voice disorders. Here at Atlanta Institute for ENT, not only do we love our pediatric patients, but our specialists are also incredibly well-versed with voice disorders in children and newborns.
What Causes Voice Disorders in Children?
Thankfully, the most common causes of chronic hoarseness in children are typically not life-threatening or likely to cause permanent damage. Chronic hoarseness or other symptoms of voice disorders in children can have a variety of causes, including:
- Infection
- Gastropharyngeal reflux, in which contents of the stomach reflux into the throat or mouth
- Vocal nodules, noncancerous growths on the vocal cords caused by overuse or abuse of the voice
- Papilloma, or a benign tumor
Note that an abnormal cry or hoarseness in a newborn may indicate a neurological condition affecting the brain or nerves. If your newborn has either of these symptoms, seek immediate care.
How Can I Tell if My Child Has a Voice Disorder?
Symptoms of voice disorders in the pediatric population include those commonly seen in the adult population, as well as symptoms unique to children. Symptoms may include:
- Hoarseness
- A “lump-in-the-throat” sensation
- Neck pain
- Limited range of pitch
- Voice fatigue
- Body fatigue
- Stridor, or noisy breathing
Stridor is a symptom of voice disorders that is especially common in children. It can be a sign of airway obstruction or narrowing of the larynx (voice box) or trachea (windpipe). Any signs of stridor require immediate medical attention.
If you believe your child may have a voice disorder, consider making an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist. Call us today at 404.257.1589 (Atlanta) or 770.777.1100 (Alpharetta), or book an appointment with us online now.
