benign throat clearing tic

[brenrun4]

My daughter is 31/2 years old.  About a month ago, she developed what her pediatrician calls a benign tic.  He checked her out and decided it wasn't an allergy or a breathing problem.  Sometimes it sounds like she's clearing her throat loudly, other times it sounds like a loud hiccup - which is what lead me to believe she might be having a breathing problem.  I do believe she does this involuntarily because she is not interrupted when she is talking and when she sleeps at night, she is silent the entire night - I know this because I slept in the same room with her for two weeks.  Also, she didn't make the sound when the pediatrician was checking her, which he said convinced him more that it was a tic.  Her pediatrician says it could last a few weeks to 6 months.  He also said that it could be form of terets syndrome but that can't be diagnosed until she's at least six.  I'm starting to get use to the sound she makes, but it definitely attracts attention when we are in public, which reminds me how "unusual" the sound she makes is.

I want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything.  Should I have her looked at by a pediatric neurologist?  Or should I just let it run it's course, although I'm getting quite tired of strangers and friends "suggestions" as to what it is and what I should do.

Please advise!
Thanks.....


This discussion is related to neurological ticks.

[milsmom33]

Same issue I am another mom with no answers:( my 5 year old daughter has the constant throat clearing. I have noticed and now her teachers as well she will do repotition humming noises , usually when she is relaxed. We have ruled out allergies. I have no answers:(

[williamjoy]

my 4 yr old just started about two weeks ago with tics, he will raise his arms then put them down then continue to clear his throat. he will do this multiple times. his preschool teachers noticed too and  thought it may be nervous tick.  my son is a special needs child. my son is a year behind, he has speech/motor skill delays. we plan on making dr. apt. to find out what is going on with our son.   i do hope it passes.

[specialmom]

By the way, when esophageal cancer is a concern with a child, it is often due to acid reflux problems that were not treated.  Has your child had chronic complaints about reflux issues?  

Try not to worry.  You can have that checked out to rule it out but doubt this is the reason.  good luck

[specialmom]

Oh no no.  I sincerely doubt that your 7 year old has esphogeal cancer.  

Much more likely to be either his trying to regulate his nervous system or he has developed the tic due to stress.  And yes, sure.  it could be legitimate throat clearing due to allergies.

My son does a sound similar now and it is sensory/anxiety related.  We are begining to address this.  

but try not to worry about things like cancers that are very rare in children!  good luck

[GrubbsMommy]

My 7 year old started this throat clearing thing, I have asked him repeatedly if his throat hurt or was bothering him and he always says no. My dad noticed it tonight and told me I should have it checked, someone he knows had the same thing and it wound up being esophageal cancer..Now i am freaking out! alot of what I read sounds like it could possibly be it..stress, habit, tic, allergy, sinus..I plan on making a doctor appointment tomorrow but I don't think I can sleep tonight :(

[singleparent79]

That is great.  Just wondering if all is good, why wouldn't you give the doctor's name or some place for other parents to go to...