Question
What should be done if a 2-year-old child’s voice remains hoarse after recovering from a cold?
Answer
If a child’s voice remains hoarse after recovering from a cold, it may be due to post-infectious sequelae of an upper respiratory infection or related to acute infectious diseases. Common symptoms include fever, chills, and general malaise, especially during winter and spring. Hoarseness may be secondary to an upper respiratory infection or could be a precursor or complication of an acute infectious disease. The child may experience dry coughs, which worsen at night, and in severe cases, may have wheezing sounds or difficulty breathing. Suitable throat-soothing foods can be given to help improve the voice.