Disorders of phonation in children

Vocal disturbances in children are surprisingly common. Typical pathologic conditions differ, however, from those that are seen commonly in adults. Disturbances in the vibratory characteristic of the vocal folds cause dysphonia. The most common causes for dysphonia are infectious, anatomic, congenital, inflammatory, neoplastic, neurologic, or iatrogenic in nature. A child who presents with hoarseness demands a rapid and thorough assessment. Fine points during the history may provide the clinician with clues as to the correct etiologic category. Proper treatment requires an accurate diagnosis. Although some conditions are similar in the adult larynx, treatment of the pediatric larynx often differs. An understanding of the changing and growing pediatric larynx is necessary for treatment and satisfactory results.