Hoarseness in Children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The prevalence of pediatric dysphonia ranges from 6-23%. Chronic dysphonia can negatively affect the lives of children physically, socially, and emotionally. The body of literature continues to grow regarding the pathophysiology and management of dysphonic children. Methods This article presents a relevant literature review of vocal fold pathology leading to hoarseness and recent advances in diagnosis and management. Articles were retrieved using a selective search in PubMed employing the terms such as “hoarseness in children,” “pediatric dysphonia.” Results 42 articles from the past decade were reviewed that include information regarding the etiology, assessment, and treatment of children with dysphonia. Conclusion The care of a child with a voice disorder can be complex and requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Current technological, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic advances have improved the treatment of children with dysphonia. How to cite this article Worthen M, Chandran S. Hoarseness in Children. Int J Head Neck Surg 2016;7(2):130-135.