pedibotlaringitis · Updated
What is laryngitis and how can I help my child?
Laryngitis is a common viral throat infection causing a barking cough. Most cases are mild and can be managed at home.
What it is
Laryngitis, also called croup, is an inflammation of the larynx, the part of the throat where the vocal cords are [3]. It is caused by different viruses and is most common in children between 6 months and 6 years old, especially in autumn and early winter [3]. It often starts like a common cold with mucus and congestion [1]. Then, suddenly, usually at night, a child develops a “barking” cough that sounds like a dog or a seal [1]. The cough can come with hoarseness and may get worse if the child is nervous or crying [1]. When air passes through the inflamed larynx, you may hear a noise called “stridor” [3]. There may also be fever and high-pitched sounds when breathing [6]. Symptoms generally get worse at night and last between three and five days [6]. Most cases of viral croup are mild and can be treated at home [6]. Complications are rare [2].
What you can do at home
- Keep the air moist. Put containers of water on radiators to avoid a dry environment [5].
- Humidity can help. Hold your child in the bathroom with hot water running, or let them breathe cool, fresh air while dressed warmly, by opening a window or going out on a terrace [5].
- If your child has a fever, give the fever reducer your pediatrician usually recommends [5].
- It is normal for your child to have little appetite. Do not force them to eat. Offer fluids [5].
- Let your child rest at home for a few days. They often cough a lot at night and do not sleep well [2].
- Do not give antibiotics. They do not help with viral infections [4][7].
- Do not give cough syrups or suppositories without asking your pediatrician first [4].
- Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers [7].
- Talk to your child’s doctor before giving any cold or cough medicine [7].
Symptoms usually resolve in a few days but can last up to a week [2]. More severe cases are treated with oral or nebulized anti-inflammatories [2].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Go to the emergency department if your child:
- Makes noise when breathing in (stridor), even when calm [4].
- Has worsening breathing difficulty: breathes faster and faster, ribs are visible, abdomen moves a lot, chest sinks in, or neck stretches [4].
- Has trouble swallowing or drools a lot [4].
Also seek medical help if you are worried about your child’s breathing [6]. Watch your child’s breathing, color, and general condition at home [2]. Call your doctor if your child has problems breathing, rapid breathing, dehydration, fever lasting more than 4 days, symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement, or symptoms that improve then return or worsen [7].
Common questions
Can my child go to school? It is recommended that children rest at home for a few days, as they often cough a lot at night and do not sleep well [2]. Generally, if the child is well and has no fever, they can attend school [10]. If they have fever, it is recommended that 24 hours pass without fever before returning [10].
Do antibiotics help? No. Laryngitis is caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not help with viral infections [4][7].
How long does it last? Symptoms usually resolve in a few days but can persist up to a week [2]. Most cases are mild and benign [4].
Sources
[1] SEUP — “Laringitis. Información para padres”, section “¿CUÁLES SON LOS SÍNTOMAS?”, p. 1 [2] SEUP — “Laringitis. Información para padres”, section “¿CUÁL ES LA EVOLUCIÓN ESPERABLE?”, p. 1, 2 [3] SEUP — “Laringitis. Información para padres”, section “¿QUÉ ES LA LARINGITIS?”, p. 1 [4] SEUP — “Laringitis. Información para padres”, section “¿CUÁNDO DEBEMOS CONSULTAR EN UN SERVICIO DE URGENCIAS?”, p. 2 [5] SEUP — “Laringitis. Información para padres”, section “¿QUÉ PODEMOS HACER EN CASA CUANDO TIENE LARINGITIS?”, p. 1 [6] MedlinePlus — “Crup”, section “Introducción”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/croup.html [7] MedlinePlus — “Resfrío”, section “¿Cuáles son los tratamientos para el resfrío común?”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/commoncold.html [10] SEUP — “Catarro de vías altas. Información para padres”, section “CATARRO DE VÍAS ALTAS FIEBRE CUBRIRSE LA BOCA CON UN PAÑUELO AL ESTORNUDAR O TOSER ¿CUÁNDO PUEDE VOLVER A LA GUARDERÍA/ ESCUELA? ¿CUÁNDO PUEDE REALIZAR ACTIVIDAD FÍSICA?”, p. 2
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.