Gag reflex

[Now we're 3]

Hi ladies


Just wondering if any one else has a young child with a sensitive gag reflex. My DS is 3.5 and he has what appears to me to be quite a sensitive gag reflex which causes him to gag and then throw up.

While it doesn't happen everyday or anything it certainly happens on a regularly enough basis that I am asking the question if it happens to anyone else's child. This evening was a prime example of it having tea, eaten most of it, took a maybe larger bite that normal gagged slightly and spat the bite out and then gave a gap and threw up his entire dinner. He's not sick and each time it will be either a gag or a cough that causes it. He wasn't a spewy baby but this random chucking has been happening since he became a toddler which can be a bit embarassing if it happens when we are out or in someone elses house (bit easier to deal with vom at home!!)

Anyone else experience the same problem or have any solutions that I could try. I did mention to Health Nurse when he was younger but she didn't have any real advice other than he'd grow out of it! Certainly wasn't concerned.

Any advice comments welcomed.

[Pholi]

I don't have personal experience of it, but I read of another child (maybe on BB? Can't recall) who was eventually diagnosed with extra large adenoids, or tonsils, or something similar, which made him more likely to gag and vomit. The solution was seeing an ENT and having the tonsils out.

[Chocaholic]

I would go to the GP and get a referral to an ENT specialist to rule out physical causes.

I personally have a sensitive gag reflex. It got a lot better when I was in late childhood, early teens as I was able to work out volume of bites more easily. However, I am 34 now and still throw up if I misjudge my bite size. It hasn't happened for a few months but I am always conscious of it.

Oh, texture also triggers my gag reflex. I can guarantee to puke if I eat peas or beans. I need to prepare myself to eat bananas and Weetbix. Have you noticed what food generally causes him to gag initially before the vomit?

[Taurean]

Oh Hun, that's ordinary! I'd be getting him looked at pronto, it just doesn't sound right. I know that kids can end up with a weak gag reflex after about of gastro but it generally corrects itself not long after. DD1 vomited once a day for a week after her first bout of gastro at 2.5yrs but then she came good.

I hope he's ok hon. Hopefully it is just something he needs to learn to control again.

Hugs and keep us posted

[Now we're 3]

Thanks girls will bring him to docs and get referral to have it checked out. They might ask me to keep record as to how often it happens so will see what they do straight away.

Will keep you posted Taurean.
No particular textures or food that triggers it Chocoholic just random. Last night was shepherds pie and before that was piece of apple. Hadn't happened for ages but twice recently which prompted me to post.

Fingers crossed there is nothing wrong - feeling slightly worried now.