Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx caused by a virus. Frequent in children, it is most often benign. Symptoms, causes, treatments, evolution. Everything you need to know about laryngitis in babies.

Laryngitis often appears after an episode of nasopharyngitis. It is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the larynx, an organ located in the throat and which houses the vocal cords. The walls of the larynx then begin to swell. 

Many viruses can be responsible for laryngitis, but the most common are the parainfluenzae viruses. This infection is common in children, especially between the ages of 1 and 3, and affects boys more. 

Laryngitis often follows nasopharyngitis (the first symptoms appear a day or two later). The main symptoms are:

• a hoarse voice (because the vocal cords are also inflamed).
• a hoarse cough.
• breathing difficulties because the inflammation of the larynx makes it narrower and the passage of air is more difficult. Breathing is slowed down, the child has difficulty inhaling which causes an indentation: the spaces above the sternum, the collarbones or even between the ribs widen in an unusual way with each inspiration. 
• discomfort when swallowing during meals. 

In the case of laryngitis

If your child has laryngitis, you should see a doctor right away.

A consultation during the day is necessary if your child:

• presents the characteristic symptoms of laryngitis (hoarse cough, slow and noisy breathing), but that his general state of health is good.
• has been seen by a doctor before but symptoms are still present beyond two to three days or the cough worsens and is accompanied by fever.

When to go to the emergency room?

Call 15 or 112 or go to the emergency room if the child:

• less than 6 months old.
• no longer feeds or refuses to drink.
• has a pale complexion.
• has blue lips and fingers.
• breathing badly.
• has a high fever (over 39 ° C).
• refuses to swallow or remains seated.
• suffers from heart or chronic disease.
• stay seated and throw your head back for air. 

In the event of significant difficulty in breathing, the doctor will prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the edema of the larynx. They are administered orally over a very short period of time. In addition, a treatment to lower the fever may be prescribed and it is recommended to humidify the ambient air in the baby’s room. If the doctor notices edema in the vocal cords, he can directly inject a corticosteroid treatment. If the baby’s condition does not improve a few minutes after this injection, the doctor may decide to do a second one. If this is not effective, the child must be hospitalized urgently because it could be epiglottitis, an infection of the epiglottis that can block the airways. At the hospital, the child will receive intravenous antibiotics.  

Laryngitis can be treated very quickly, in less than a week on average. In the event of repeated laryngitis, a medical assessment may be necessary to look for a contributing factor: gastroesophageal reflux, allergy, permanent laryngeal narrowing, chronic inflammation of the adenoids or tonsils, etc.

Laryngitis is a contagious viral infection. It is transmitted by direct contact with postilions, saliva or the hands of an infected person, or by touching objects soiled by the saliva of a contaminated person (towels, cutlery, toys, etc.). 

The best way to guard against it and protect your child is to apply barrier gestures: 

• wash your hands and your child’s hands regularly. 
• use disposable tissues to blow your nose, sneeze or spit (same thing with your child) and throw them away immediately after use. 
• avoid bringing your hands to your face.
• keep a distance of at least one meter between yourself and people you meet or meet. 
• Avoid kissing or shaking hands to say hello.