Does acute laryngitis in children require hospitalization?

Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
Updated on September 01, 2024
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This issue, depending on the child’s clinical symptoms and signs, needs to be treated differently. If hospitalization is necessary, it generally manifests as poor spirits and signs of laryngeal obstruction. Or, if in the outpatient hospital treatment through oral and nebulized therapies are ineffective, hospital admission may be considered, especially with careful observation for progression of laryngeal obstruction. Some children may also have persistent high fever that does not subside, possibly leading to convulsions and dehydration. After admission, close monitoring of vital signs and management of complications can be provided.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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How to treat acute laryngitis in children

If acute laryngitis in children is caused by a viral infection, it generally involves symptomatic treatment. If there is a fever with a temperature exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius, or if the child appears unwell, antipyretic treatment can be administered. For persistent coughing, appropriate cough suppressants can be used for relief. Additionally, for hoarseness and throat discomfort, nebulized inhalation can be applied as symptomatic treatment. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are certainly necessary to control the condition. If the acute laryngitis is caused by an injury, local symptomatic treatment can be applied to reduce the damage, followed by waiting for recovery.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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Is acute laryngitis in children contagious?

The situation varies depending on the cause. If it is acute laryngitis caused by an injury, it is not contagious. However, if it is caused by an infection, such as by the epidemic influenza virus, or by Bordetella pertussis causing acute laryngitis, these infectious diseases cause inflammation of the larynx and are contagious. Or in cases of general bacterial and viral infections, there can be cross-infection, but they are not contagious.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
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Does acute laryngitis in children require hospitalization?

This issue, depending on the child’s clinical symptoms and signs, needs to be treated differently. If hospitalization is necessary, it generally manifests as poor spirits and signs of laryngeal obstruction. Or, if in the outpatient hospital treatment through oral and nebulized therapies are ineffective, hospital admission may be considered, especially with careful observation for progression of laryngeal obstruction. Some children may also have persistent high fever that does not subside, possibly leading to convulsions and dehydration. After admission, close monitoring of vital signs and management of complications can be provided.

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home-news-image
Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
44sec home-news-image

The symptoms of acute laryngitis in children

First and foremost, the most typical symptom is hoarseness of voice, with accompanying symptoms varying depending on the severity of the laryngitis, and symptoms differ. Generally, mild cases may present with cough or fever; a few children might also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If there is laryngeal obstruction, some signs of hypoxia will appear, such as cyanosis, intermittent stridor, profuse sweating, the three-concavity sign, flaring of the nostrils, listlessness, and even some convulsive symptoms.

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Written by Bai Yan Hui
Pediatrics
43sec home-news-image

Does acute laryngitis in children recur?

Acute laryngitis in children can recur, similar to tonsillitis. Some children may have inherently lower immune function in the larynx, or a relative defect, which makes them prone to inflammation in the larynx whenever there is an upper respiratory infection. Therefore, we generally inform parents that if the child has a history of laryngitis, they should be aware of this condition in the future, especially of sudden respiratory difficulty at night and hoarseness. It is important to pay attention as laryngitis tends to worsen at night, and if it occurs, we recommend seeking medical attention promptly.