Pediatric dysphonia: what can help? A review

The prevalence of voice disorders (VDs) in children is relatively high (up to 38%) and does not tend to decrease. VDs can be related to a variety of reasons and always require endoscopic examination of the ENT organs. Vocal fold nodules and laryngitis are the most common causes of dysphonia in children. Predisposing factors for VDs include a tendency towards increased talkativeness/vociferousness, frequent episodes of nasopharyngitis/laryngitis (as manifestations of acute respiratory viral infections), and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy or inflammation. Pediatricians play a paramount role, as they often come into contact with the patient's family, manage patients with VDs, record the detected changes and their trends in medical documentation, and identify candidates for further work-up by a specialist (otorhinolaryngologist). The final diagnosis of persistent VD can be made only based on the endolaryngoscopy results; however, the pediatrician can provide care to a patient with VD, including vocal rest and prescribing a drug indicated for VDs (Homeovox).