Question
What should parents do when children frequently clear their throats?
Answer
When children exhibit symptoms such as clearing their throats, blinking, and shaking their heads, accompanied by vocal tics, parents should immediately take them to the hospital for a thorough examination. Routine checks may include trace element testing, IVA testing, intelligence and memory tests, and for families with the means, a child EEG can be conducted. This can more effectively assist experts in diagnosing whether the child has tic disorder or ADHD. According to expert treatment plans, mild cases (with onset time shorter than one year and symptoms less severe) usually show significant improvement after 1-2 months of medication, with symptoms mostly controlled or disappeared. Based on expert clinical diagnosis recommendations, stable treatment should be carried out to prevent recurrence of symptoms; for severe cases (multi-site tics, duration over one year), treatment duration will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Parents and children need to cooperate with the treatment plan to control or eliminate symptoms. During the treatment process, parents should actively cooperate with experts and never scold the child; avoid focusing attention on the child’s symptoms, especially do not stare at the child during tics, as this may bring psychological pressure to the child and hinder recovery. The correct approach is: 1. Help the child establish a reasonable schedule to avoid overexertion and ensure adequate sleep; 2. Avoid using sensitive language about the child’s symptoms in the family environment; 3. Ignore the child’s tics when they occur; 4. Give the child more encouragement to build self-confidence and alleviate stress; 5. Avoid letting the child engage in severe sports such as military training, long-distance running, and competitive sports activities.