What could cause sudden hoarseness in a baby?

Infections, inflammation, or treatment effects can cause sudden hoarseness in babies.

Why might hoarseness persist after oral candidiasis and fever have resolved?

Vocal cord healing can delay resolution of hoarseness after infection.

When should I consult an ENT specialist for my baby's hoarseness?

Consult an ENT if hoarseness persists beyond a few weeks post-infection.

What examination methods are used by ENT specialists to evaluate hoarseness in babies?

Fiberoptic telescopes help ENT specialists examine vocal cords in babies.

Could hydrocortisone therapy affect the baby’s voice?

Hydrocortisone therapy can cause vocal cord irritation and hoarseness.

How long does it typically take for hoarseness in babies to improve after treatment?

Hoarseness may take weeks to improve after treatment in babies.

Thrash In Babies Mouth

Question:

My baby developed sudden hoarseness of voice then developed oral candidiasis then fever. After treatment, the candidiasis and fever were gone, but after about 3 weeks still has hoarseness. It should be known that he has attopic dermatitis and he was on hydrocortisone therapy, but we stopped that too for more than 3 weeks.

Best regards

Answer:

I would suggest a consultation with an ENT specialist who sees babies. It may just take a little longer for the hoarseness to improve but an otolaryngologist could examine the voice box in the office with a Fiberoptic telescope.

Hope this helps clear things up.

Scott D. Gold, MD

Frequently Asked Questions

Sudden hoarseness in a baby can be caused by infections like oral candidiasis, inflammation of the vocal cords, or irritation from treatments such as hydrocortisone. It's important to monitor symptoms and consult a specialist if hoarseness persists.

Hoarseness may persist because inflammation or irritation of the vocal cords can take longer to heal even after the infection and fever have subsided. The vocal cords may need additional time or specialized treatment to recover fully.

If hoarseness lasts for more than a few weeks, especially after resolution of infection and stopping medications like corticosteroids, consulting an ENT specialist is recommended. They can perform a detailed examination of the voice box to identify any underlying issues.

ENT specialists may use a Fiberoptic telescope, a thin flexible camera, to look directly at the baby's vocal cords and surrounding structures to diagnose the cause of hoarseness.

Hydrocortisone, especially when applied topically or inhaled, can sometimes cause irritation or changes in the vocal cords leading to hoarseness. Discontinuing the therapy may help, but recovery can take time.

Recovery time varies, but hoarseness may take several weeks to improve even after treatment of the underlying cause. Patience and follow-up evaluations are important to ensure proper healing.

Sudden Hoarseness and Oral Candidiasis

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Robert Pincus