Along the same vein, if the student is taking any allergy medication,
this could cause her to feel the need to swallow frequently as it can dry
out the throat. And post nasal drip can certainly prompt the need to
clear one's throat. My problem was alleviated somewhat when my doctor
switched me to an allergy medication with a smaller dosage that I take
twice a day vs. once a day. I've also had some relief from taking Nettle
& Slippery Elm Bark supplements but can only take them once a day because
if I take them more frequently, I itch...as with all supplements, any
allergic reactions should be considered.
Pat
On Wed, 18 Dec 2002 18:03:51 -0500 "John Messmer, M.D." <jjm23@p...>
writes:
> I don't think it's reflux. I have never seen this behavior
> associated
> with reflux and I see a LOT of reflux.
>
> Post nasal drip is certainly a possibility. Sometimes stuff just
> gets
> stuck in the nasopharynx and the person feels the need to clear it
> especially if she is trying to elevate her palate properly. Does
> she do
> it when she is speaking? If not, it may be mucus.
>
> I have not heard of it in a child, but she could have a Tornwaldt
> cyst
> in her nasopharynx which would give her the sense of something
> needing
> to be cleared out.
>
> If she does it at other times, it may be a tic which may or may not
> be
> associated with Tourette's syndrome. It could be a simple
> compulsion.
> We see compulsive disorders in mid to late adolescents when they are
> not
> associated with Tourette's or other psychologic dysfunctions.
>
> She could also have spasticity of her hypopharynx. Usually this is
> associated with vocal problems such as hoarseness/dysphonia. If
> her
> voice is OK, it's probably not that. Some people have mild spasm of
> the
> cricopharyngeus muscle which causes the "lump in the throat"
> sensation.
> However, there is often a problem with swallowing function with
> this
> also.
>
> That's about all I can think of. She should see her doctor.
>
> John
>
> John Messmer, M.D.
> Assistant Professor, Family and Community Medicine
> Penn State Hershey Medical Center
>
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