Sahel Medical Journal (Jan 2012)
Hoarseness in children: An aetiological profile in North-Eastern Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Hoarseness is a disorder characterised by altered vocal quality, pitch, loudness or vocal efforts that impairs communication or reduces related quality of life. This study determines the various aetiological factors of hoarseness in children. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 131 children who presented with hoarseness. The data extracted included child′s bio-data, onset and duration of hoarseness, airway obstruction, gastro-eosophageal reflux disease and drug treatment, head and neck trauma or surgery. Following a thorough ENT examination, older children had fiber-optic nasopharyngo laryngoscopy. Tissue biopsy was by direct laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia. Data was analyzed with the use of SPSS version 16.0. Results: One hundred and thirty one children with hoarseness were reviewed. There were 85(64.7%) males and 46(35.1%) females. Age ranges from 1 month to 15 years with a mean of 7.73+4.0Gyears. Age group, 5-9 years (40.5%) were more affected with a duration of hoarseness ranging from 1 day to 4.5 years and mean of 5.31+9.42 years. The commonest causes of hoarseness were RRP 60(45.8%) and laryngeal infections 22(16.8%). Emergency tracheostomy was done in 65(49.6%) of patients. Conclusion: We observed varied causes of hoarseness in children. Delay in presentation worsens prognosis. Hence hoarseness in children lasting for more than 3 weeks should bee valuated by and ear, nose and throat specialist.
