After a Direct Laryngoscopy: How to Care for Your Child

The doctor examined your child's throat using a special instrument called a laryngoscope. Your child may be tired and have a sore throat for a couple of days.

Direct laryngoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the voice box (larynx), which is below the back of the throat. A thin instrument called a laryngoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the throat. This instrument lights the inside of the throat and enlarges the view.

While looking at the throat, the doctor might remove foreign objects or growths, collect tissue samples for laboratory examination, or perform laser treatment. The doctor will discuss the results and treatment options with you.

Your child was under general anesthesia during the procedure. This means your child did not feel the laryngoscope and won't remember the procedure.

Your child was observed after the procedure and is now able to be cared for at home.

Your child may feel tired and have a sore throat, nausea, general muscle aches, or chills for the next day or two. If a biopsy was taken, your child may spit out a small amount of blood for the next day. This is normal.

• Children older than 4 years can suck on throat lozenges or hard candy to help with soreness.

• Gargling with saltwater also might help relieve throat discomfort.

• Start giving liquids and soft foods like mashed potatoes. Advance to your child's regular diet as tolerated.

• Give your child any prescribed medicines as directed.

• If your child is uncomfortable and your doctor did not prescribe a pain reliever, an over-the-counter medication may help:

  • For children under 6 months, you may give acetaminophen.

  • For children over 6 months, you may give acetaminophen OR ibuprofen, if recommended.

• Keep all follow-up appointments as recommended so that your doctor can make sure your child is recovering well.

Your child:

• Has a fever above 101°F (38.3°C).

• Cannot keep any foods down.

• Is unable to drink.

• Sounds hoarse for more than a few days.

• Spits out any blood after the first day.

• Has any noisy breathing

• Your child is short of breath.

• The skin between your child's ribs and neck pulls in tight during breathing.

• Your child has a large amount of bleeding from the mouth.