The Tonsil Theory

Tyler's occupational therapist has been concerned all along about the way he throws up when he gags. He's gotten much better, and we know what foods will trigger the gag reflex and we avoid those.

But when he has a sore throat, he can't handle any solids and even some thick liquids make him throw up.

So I started thinking that perhaps his tonsils are affecting his swallowing. I looked online and found references to cases where enlarged tonsils do indeed cause children to gag and throw up solids. I asked Tyler's OT if she was familiar with this and she said that she had a patient whose eating improved once his tonsils were taken out. She suggested we talk to Tyler's pediatrician about a referral to an ear, nose & throat specialist (ENT).

So I called Ty's pediatrician, and they had an opening this afternoon. We went to the office, so I could hold him down while she looked down his throat. She said his tonsils are a little large, but not touching and therefore shouldn't cause the problems that we're trying to solve. (She added that is quite normal for children his age to have large tonsils. And she said it is normal for children to gag and throw up when they have sore throats.)

I wanted to cry. I don't know if I'm relieved he doesn't need surgery or upset that we still don't know what is wrong with him.

The pediatrician offered to send us to an ENT to have a OPMS (swallow study) done, and I told her that we have one scheduled through the gastrointestinal specialist for the end of March.

The good news is that Ty weighs 23 lbs, 15 oz. He's gained 15 ounces (almost a pound) since January 7, when we had his last weight check. The doctor was thrilled.