OverviewUnderstanding the Disorder Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment

Image "A"Key Glossary Terms

Stridor: Noisy breathing

Larynx: Highly specialized structure atop the windpipe responsible for sound production, air passage during breathing and protecting the airway during swallowing

Glossary

What are the symptoms of voice disorders in children?
Many symptoms are common among the disorders that cause hoarseness, but some are more specific to the individual cause.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux often causes hoarseness that is worse in morning. LPR may be associated with a sour taste in the mouth or bad breath. Symptoms of heartburn are often not present. Nocturnal cough may or may not be present. Hoarseness may fluctuate over time as the reflux events come and go.

Nodules and Cysts
Although all forms of hoarseness will worsen with overuse, nodules and cysts typically worsen at the end of the day or during times of high use. Severe straining to initiate voicing (aphonia) can be common. A harsh or aggressive attack required to initiate speech is typical, caused by the increased mass on the vibrating fold.

Papillomas
Papillomas generally cause a progressive, ever-worsening hoarseness that leads either to aphonia or respiratory distress. Although fluctuations may be seen with use, there is a general trend toward a worsening voice. Sometimes snoring is also associated with the enlarging papillomas. If snoring worsens or breathing difficulty is encountered in patients with papillomas, medical attention should be promptly sought.

Laryngeal Web
Congenital laryngeal webs generally do not vary in terms of the hoarseness observed. A child may have a persistent weakness or quietness to the voice that has been present since birth.

Vocal Fold Scarring
Scarring from airway manipulation usually peaks 4-6 weeks after the incident. Slow, progressive worsening of voice and breathing may accelerate at the end of the this time period as the airway narrows. This timing of events would be typical for voice disorders caused by intubation.

Vocal Fold Tumors
Neoplasms or tumors of the larynx act similarly to papilloma. As they grow there may be progressive worsening of the voice, perhaps leading to breathing difficulty or stridor.

Image Red FlagRed Flag

  • Noisy breathing (stridor) is a sign of obstruction or narrowing of the laryngeal or tracheal parts of the airway.
  • Stridor is a sign of difficulty passing air.
  • Any breathing difficulty needs immediate medical attention.

Image of Exclamation markAdvisory Note
Patient education material presented here does not substitute for medical consultation or examination, nor is this material intended to provide advice on the medical treatment appropriate to any specific circumstances.

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