Pediatric Voice Disorders

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Pediatric Larynx & Voice - Small Fry Sounds

  • Pediatric Larynx: Higher position (C3-C4), smaller, funnel-shaped (narrowest at subglottis/cricoid), softer cartilages.
  • Epiglottis: Omega (Ω) shaped, often floppy. Arytenoids relatively larger.
  • Vocal Folds: Shorter (2.5-3.0 mm in newborns); fundamental frequency (F0) high (400-500 Hz).
    • Pitch ↓ as vocal folds lengthen & thicken with age.
  • Common Benign Lesions: Vocal nodules (bilateral, "screamer's nodes"), cysts, polyps. Larynx Anatomy and Vocal Fold Layers

⭐ Laryngomalacia is the most common congenital laryngeal anomaly and the most frequent cause of stridor in infants, typically presenting as inspiratory stridor that worsens with feeding, agitation, or supine position and often improves by 18-24 months.

Etiology of Hoarseness - Kid Voice Quibbles

  • Common Causes:
    • Vocal Abuse/Misuse: Nodules (bilateral, most common), polyps, cysts. 📌 "Screamer's Nodes".
    • Infections: Acute laryngitis (viral common), croup.
    • Congenital Anomalies: Laryngomalacia, webs, cysts, vocal cord paralysis.
    • Neoplastic: Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP - HPV 6, 11).
    • Inflammatory (Non-infectious): GERD.
    • Trauma: Intubation, foreign body.

⭐ Vocal cord nodules (singer's or screamer's nodes) are the most frequent cause of persistent hoarseness in children.

Key Pediatric Voice Disorders - Top Troublemakers

  • Laryngomalacia: Most common congenital laryngeal anomaly. Inspiratory stridor (worse supine/agitation). Omega epiglottis. Dx: Flexible laryngoscopy. Rx: Observation; supraglottoplasty if severe (FTT, apnea).

    ⭐ Laryngomalacia is the #1 cause of congenital stridor; typically resolves by 18-24 months.

  • Vocal Nodules: "Screamer's nodules"; bilateral, symmetric, mid-membranous vocal folds. Chronic voice abuse. Hoarseness. Rx: Voice therapy (first-line).
  • Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP): HPV 6 & 11. Hoarseness, stridor. Multiple warty lesions. Rx: Surgical debulking (CO2 laser/microdebrider).
  • Vocal Fold Paralysis: Unilateral common. Iatrogenic (cardiac surgery), neuro, idiopathic. Breathy voice, aspiration. Rx: Voice therapy, surgery.
  • Laryngeal Cysts: Saccular/ductal. Hoarseness, stridor. Rx: Marsupialization/excision.

Diagnosis & Evaluation - Scope & Sound Sleuth

  • Comprehensive History: Onset, duration, voice quality, vocal habits, impact on communication, associated symptoms (e.g., stridor, dysphagia).
  • Perceptual Evaluation: GRBAS scale (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain) or CAPE-V.
  • Laryngeal Visualization:
    • Flexible Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (FNPL): First-line; office procedure. Visualizes anatomy & gross mobility. Pediatric Flexible Laryngoscopy Procedure Diagram
    • Videostroboscopy: Details vocal fold vibration, mucosal wave. Essential for subtle lesions.
  • Objective Voice Analysis: Acoustic analysis (F0, jitter, shimmer).
  • Referral Threshold: Hoarseness > 2-4 weeks, airway concerns, or feeding difficulty.

⭐ Hoarseness persisting > 2-4 weeks in a child mandates laryngoscopy to rule out underlying pathology.

Treatment Approaches - Tuning Tiny Voices

  • VT: Play-based. Focus: ↓vocal load, resonant voice.
  • Medical: PPIs for GERD; antihistamines/steroids for allergy.
  • Surgery: For persistent/large nodules, cysts, papillomas.

⭐ Pediatric vocal nodules often resolve with voice therapy; surgery is a last resort.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Laryngomalacia: Most common cause of infant stridor; typically self-resolving.
  • Vocal Nodules: Most frequent cause of chronic childhood hoarseness; linked to voice overuse.
  • RRP: Caused by HPV 6, 11; leads to hoarseness and possible airway obstruction.
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis: Unilateral often iatrogenic or idiopathic; bilateral presents as airway emergency.
  • Subglottic Stenosis: Congenital or acquired (e.g., intubation); causes biphasic stridor.
  • Laryngeal Web: Usually anterior; presents with weak cry or hoarseness at birth.

Practice Questions: Pediatric Voice Disorders

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Most common organism causing laryngotracheobronchitis is:

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Flashcards: Pediatric Voice Disorders

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Laser used for laryngomalacia is _____

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Laser used for laryngomalacia is _____

CO2

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