Acute Laryngitis in Children

Overview

Acute laryngitis in children is acute inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa, usually caused by viral or bacterial infection, most common in infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years. Because a child's larynx is narrow and the mucosa is prone to swelling, it often presents with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor, and in severe cases can cause laryngeal obstruction and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms

• Barking cough
• Hoarseness
• Inspiratory stridor
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever

Treatment

Keep the airway open, seek medical care promptly, and use medication under a doctor's guidance; severe cases require nebulization or corticosteroid treatment.

Dietary advice

Drink plenty of warm water, eat bland and easily digestible liquid foods, and keep indoor air humid.