Dear Maureen,

I wonder if your daughter has been evaluated by an allergy specialist or a pediatric gastroenterologist. If this problem has persisted for a long time, there may be a medical reason for it.

First, I would track her throat clearing for a day or a few days. This can be very time consuming. My daughter used to clear her throat after each meal when she was in preschool. In her case, it was related to GERD. In any case, having some data will help you and the doctor determine if there is a pattern. Perhaps it occurs more after meals, during certain times of day or eating certain foods.

Also, I would check out the symptoms of GERD on this website and see if there are other symptoms of GERD. Cough? Belching? Heartburn? Sore throat?

Also check out the signs of allergies.

I wonder if there is another family member who clears their throat. Children are very imitative so if there is a family member with allergies with post nasal drip, it is possible that your daughter is imitating something she hears at home.

When my daughter was in preschool and elementary school, her throat was always red when she was sick. The doctors were always swabbing her throat. It turns out that her throat was red from GERD.

I know this is frustrating to you and I am glad you are trying to figure this out before your daughter goes to school. Please keep in touch and let us know what you find out.

Best wishes,

Jan Gambino

The Reflux Mom