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What Causes Constant Clearing Up Of Throat?
Question: My six year old gr/daughter constantly clears her throat...I mean constantly! She has no clue as to why she does this...I ask her if her throat is sore and she says no, just itchy. Her teacher is concerned about this also. Could she have allergies that we don't know of? We tried gargling to no avail. I am concerned about this and she is becoming very self concsious too.
Brief Answer:
read description
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to HCM
I have gone through your query,
There could be two reasons for your daughter having such problem--
1. Enlarged adenoids
2. Reflux disease
I will try to explain
1. Enlarged adenoids-- Adenoids are the tonsil behind the nose and not easily visible . they can be seen either by nasal endoscopy, or through mouth with special mirror.
The adenoid tissue if enlarged causes nasal blockage and the child has complaints of mouth breathing especially at night , and also she might have snoring , and she might get up in night with dry mouth or get up crying for air.
The nose when blocked could cause mouth breathing and so the child has irritated airway with the dry air.
In addition if there are enlarged adenoids she might have nasal discharge.
2. reflux disease--- This means that the child has reflux of food contents from the stomach to the food pipe. This is similar to belching or heart burn as we adults have.
This causes the acid from stomach to irritate the airway and cause foreign body sensation in throat and so she is trying to clear the throat again and again.
She might get up in night , her food habits are not alright , she has on and off complaints of stomach pain.and even has constipation--- all these indicate reflux disease
You should get an ent consultation if you feel she has any such problem or reply back .
Regards
read description
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to HCM
I have gone through your query,
There could be two reasons for your daughter having such problem--
1. Enlarged adenoids
2. Reflux disease
I will try to explain
1. Enlarged adenoids-- Adenoids are the tonsil behind the nose and not easily visible . they can be seen either by nasal endoscopy, or through mouth with special mirror.
The adenoid tissue if enlarged causes nasal blockage and the child has complaints of mouth breathing especially at night , and also she might have snoring , and she might get up in night with dry mouth or get up crying for air.
The nose when blocked could cause mouth breathing and so the child has irritated airway with the dry air.
In addition if there are enlarged adenoids she might have nasal discharge.
2. reflux disease--- This means that the child has reflux of food contents from the stomach to the food pipe. This is similar to belching or heart burn as we adults have.
This causes the acid from stomach to irritate the airway and cause foreign body sensation in throat and so she is trying to clear the throat again and again.
She might get up in night , her food habits are not alright , she has on and off complaints of stomach pain.and even has constipation--- all these indicate reflux disease
You should get an ent consultation if you feel she has any such problem or reply back .
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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