Can anyone talk about hypertension? My son had his tonsels and adnoids removed three years ago. It worked wonders! I do still notice a lot of drainage and throat clearing and I'm suspicious of hypertension. His sleep seems to be fine though.

Does your son breathe thru his mouth awake or asleep? When children develope abnormal breathing it often persists even after surgery to correct the obstruction. If he is doing so, it needs to be adressed.

Retraining to nasal breathing only and reversing often hard to detect chronic hyperventilation that can develop with chronic obstructioin to the airway takes a lot of work, but I believe it is totally worthwhile.

Drs other miss or ignore these problems.

Abnormal breathing will cause discharge and swelling and many other symptoms. Over time, it can cause a myriad of other problems ranging from developing abnormal alignment to teeth, sleep apnea, hypertension and more.

Where do I go from here? Do I need to return to an ear, nose and throat doc. to have them investigate further? It's easy for a doctor to feel that drainage is nothing to be concerned about.

bath,

I would definitely question the constant throat clearing and drainage. Does your son have a history of acid reflux? Some kids reflux into their nasal passages/voice box area, and it causes chronic sinusitis and throat issues. An ENT would handle that problem, if it is what is causing his problems. It is worth having an ENT look at it, anyway!

Has he had chronic high blood pressures? He should definitely see someone regarding that - it isn't my area of expertise, so I'm not sure who you would be referred to. What does his pediatrician think about the hypertension?

Unless you have carefully identified specific concerns to adress or have an emergency situation, going to doctors can often be a huge waste of time, energy and money.

Learn the basics at reputable web sites, like WebMD or Mayo Clinic, read library books and become educated about your family's health problems. Knowlege is power. The more you learn, the more you can identify what you need to learn. Pay attention. Being a parent is a lot of hard work.

For example, drainage can be due to an allergy or infection or (mouth breathing or hyperventilation as I suggested). Ask yourself questions like: Do you take steps to reduce allergens in your home?

Check on your son when he is sleeping. If it is age appropriate, ask his permission. Does he breathe abnormally while asleep? This will often indicate whether there is a problem.

Hypertension is simply the medical term for high blood pressure. This is easy to check. Get several blood pressure readings and that will show whether there is a problem with his pressure. If you know a nurse, she'd probably do it for you, if you ask nicely.

I think a person who cares and is willing to put in the in the detective work can often do more than a DR. Even when you consult a DR, often what they need to know they need to get from you. You usually have only a minute or 2 to state your case for the reason for your visit.

Or if you do not feel you currently have the background to research your son's symptoms, talk to friends or family members who do.

To me going to a doctor is as good as waste your own time unless off course if you absolutely think it is necessary. There tons of websites that you can browse through to get free advise and right at the comfort of your home.

I would prefer a doctor’s prescription about any query that you may have. To be honest, while I appreciate people discussing online and lot of info being shared, but a doctor’s knowledge and expertise is bound to be unquestionable. You should get an appointment of an ENT doctor who would give you better solutions.