Ask the doctor: What is behind my son’s constant throat clearing?

GP Jennifer Grant answers your medical queries

A cough may be a tic, or may be caused by allergies. Photo: Getty

Question: My eight-year-old son is constantly clearing his throat. He has been doing it for about two years and it changes in severity. I don’t think it is anything serious — it could be a tic. What do you think?

Dr Grant replies: Two years of throat clearing in an eight-year-old child is unusual. It may possibly represent a tic or it could be habitual throat clearing (a behavioural issue).