4 yr old "I can't stop swallowing"

So my 4 year old has been having trouble going to sleep and staying asleep (a normal problem for young children, right?)

Recently, however, she has been saying "I can stop swallowing" when she's lying in bed and I can see that she repeatedly swallows. I offer her water, which she some times takes but it doesn't seem to really help. Some times she'll be up for hours complaining about this. I really hope she is not getting GERD.

Anyone have a child with GERD that complained about having to swallow all the time? Or how did they describe what they were feeling?

Hi robspect,

Definitely discuss this with your pediatrician.  Actually it sounds more like a nervous tic, and she can't stop doing it because once those things start, it's hard to stop.  Has she started nursery school recently, or did she start something new? 

At times a change in routine and a stressful situation can create some sleep issues as well as nervous tics.  My oldest son had a throat clearing tic, and he always started it early in the school year.  It tended to resolve as the year went on and he adjusted to his classroom. 

I wouldn't jump to the GERD conclusion, although of course, it's possible.  Your pediatrician will know what direction to take this in.  If it were a tic, the trick is ignoring it.  Bringing attention to the behavior only makes it worse.

Good luck figuring it all out!

Let us know what your doc says.

Best wishes,

Denise

Hi robspect,

MMM has a point...hence, a visit to the pediatrician to see what's going on, no matter what the cause.  No sense in seeking out the help of a specialist until your child's PCP has helped you sort things out.  Hopefully all will work itself out with minimal intervention.  Poor little sweetie!  What an annoying thing for her to have to deal with it. 

Best of luck,

Denise

robspect

I didn't intend to sound like an alarmist.. Sorry.. just saying if it should continue don't hesitate to seek out the reason for the issue, if one isn't sure don't be afraid to seek another opinion.... many times it is nothing.. once in a while it could be.. I always took my kids to our family doctor.. back then we didn't have pediatricians that insurance would cover.. they were "specialists".

Happy to hear she is better..
Sandi