throat clearing toddler 4 and 1/2 years old tested for strep negative, they think it is just a habit
but this goes on for hours , gave her allergy med and and nasal spray but doesn't work we could use all the help needed. she is stariing kindergarten and we are worried that she will not be allowed in school because of this throat clearing, could it be something else? we were given birds 3 months ago could it be that?
Hi Maureen,
It could be that the child has an allergy to the birds. It could be that she is suffering from GERD (acid reflux) as that would also cause the allergy like symptoms. The best thing is to see the doctor and follow his advice. while online sites are great for information to help you manage your health care, it can not take the place of a doctor's sound medical advice and care.
You can read about GERD here and how it causes symptoms similar to asthma and allergies here. If your doctor prescribes medication, you can read about it here, and if further treatment is necessary, you can see the options and read about the various treatments available here.
I hope this helps and I hope you are able to confirm what your daughter is going through. Take care and stay in touch!
Vicki M
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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
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