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.

[Sandman2]

Yes, please do let us know what is happening.  Thankyou for sharing!

[dallasgul]

Hi ,I have enjoyed reading all of this information same here a mother worried I have  a 5yr old son whose constant clearing his throat and grunting sounds he have had his tonsils and annoids removed he has a speech motor skills delay and with school starting next week I'm baffled to where this came from over the summer but I have schedule apt at Plano childrens medical center with the ENT doctor to see if Xray can done to make sure there's nothing going with his breathing. I will report back in the meantime monitor your kids closely good luck to all

[shellyneigh]

My son is 5yrs old and is constantly throat clearing...at some points it was accompanied by a jerk forward before clearing.  Now its clearing and its sometimes every second.  Driving me and his teacher crazy.  He also has some anxiety, sensory issues, OCD like issues....but the Dr said its likely transient tic disorder (he had a repetitive blinking when he was 2yrs).  He was on Miralax for Constipation both times so I thought maybe it was related to that.  But after being off of Miralax several weeks, the issue persists.  He has an enlarged tonsil but his Pediatrician and Quick Care Dr. aren't concerned and says tics can last up to 4mos.  I am giving allergy meds in case there is drainage in the back of his throat...Think I'll try the "tic tamer" off of Amazon.  Thanks for the advice!

[kat435]

Im going through the same thing right now and Im hoping to find answers soon. My 5 year old son is constantly clearing his throat really loud for about 5-6 months now. he says he can't help it and would get really upset has he couldnt control it. People are always wondering what that annoying sound is and some people even laugh. Dr says it was probably a tic. I took him to nose and throat Dr and everything was fine. I need to get him tested for allergies andtake him to the therapist. I feel everyones frustration as not knowing the answer as us parents just want a solution to the problem and so we are at peace that it's nothing major.

[milsmom33]

I see no one has posted on this since March. I would like any feed back from any of you moms , dads, guardian's ? I have A.D.D. Now as an adult , I have had ADHD all through my child and teen years. My daughter's biological dad has mild /moderate OCD. All seems to factor in any neurological disorder  that we may be seeing here with my daughter. Doctor after Doctor, now the child psychologists .( It's so frustrating to have to see my exceptionally bright, daughter  IQ ranges testing genius levels for her age group. ) going through these tics so far just limited to the throat clearing and now the recent hum... Hmmm... Hmmm. Then back to throat clearing. I'm looking for feed back:( I'm one sad , Stay at home mommy:)

[milsmom33]

I see no one has posted on this since March. I would like any feed back from any of you moms , dads, guardian's ? I have A.D.D. Now as an adult , I have had ADHD all through my child and teen years. My daughter's biological dad has mild /moderate OCD. All seems to factor in any neurological disorder  that we may be seeing here with my daughter. Doctor after Doctor, now the child psychologists .( It's so frustrating to have to see my exceptionally bright, daughter  IQ ranges testing genius levels for her age group. ) going through these tics so far just limited to the throat clearing and now the recent hum... Hmmm... Hmmm. Then back to throat clearing. I'm looking for feed back:( I'm one sad , Stay at home mommy:)