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Hoarseness in Children

Hoarseness is a change in the sound or quality of the voice. The voice may sound raspy, weak, breathy or deeper than usual.

Viral infections, yelling, singing and other voice overuse are common causes. Allergies, reflux, smoke, chronic irritation and growths on the vocal cords can also cause hoarseness.

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AAP Guide to Hoarseness in Children

The AAP guide below explains what can help, why whispering may not be useful and when hoarseness needs medical attention.

AAP Symptom CheckerHoarseness

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Symptom CheckerHoarseness New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Hoarseness persists longer than expected or keeps returning.
  • Your child has significant throat pain or trouble swallowing.
  • Breathing becomes noisy or difficult.
  • Your child loses the voice repeatedly without an obvious cause.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has severe trouble breathing.
  • Your child cannot swallow and develops drooling.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening airway emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on ears, nose, mouth and teeth

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms