Question
My child’s voice has been hoarse for half a month and has not improved. What could be the cause? Do I need to see a doctor?
Answer
Based on the parent’s description, the child’s hoarseness may be due to catching a cold or acute tonsillitis. It is recommended that parents pay attention to the child’s diet. If the child is breastfed, the mother should avoid spicy foods, maintain a light diet, and drink plenty of water. At the same time, it is important to add complementary foods to the child’s diet in a timely manner to help the child recover. For mild cases, oral medication such as lozenges and cefaclor can be administered; if symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly for intravenous treatment, which may include penicillin [skin test] and ribavirin among other medications. Wishing the child a healthy growth.