When your baby won't stop hiccuping - causes and remedies

Hiccups that start suddenly without warning. Even adults feel uncomfortable. Babies hiccup more often than adults, and when you see their small bodies constantly having hiccups, you feel sorry for them.

First of all, what is “hiccups”?

Have you ever heard of the "diaphragm"?
A dome-shaped muscle located between the chest and abdomen that plays an important role in breathing. The diaphragm contracts, causing the lungs to expand and take in air.

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm spasms. The spasms cause the person to momentarily inhale air, but the muscles in the vocal cords also contract in conjunction with the diaphragm, so the air passes through the narrowed vocal cords, causing a "hic" sound.
Adults get hiccups, but babies, especially newborns, get hiccups more often. Since this is a physiological phenomenon, there is no need to worry in most cases. Let's take a look at the causes and treatments, including under what circumstances you should consult a doctor.

Why do babies hiccup so often?

When you breastfeed or drink milk, you may swallow air along with it, or your stomach may become full and expand, stimulating your diaphragm and causing hiccups. The swollen intestines that are filled with stool can also become irritated.
Because their bodies are smaller, their internal organs are closer together than in adults, and various stimuli are more easily transmitted to the diaphragm, making them more prone to hiccups than adults.

Cold weather can also be a stimulus that can cause hiccups.
Hiccups are more likely to occur not only due to temperature changes, but also when you feel cold due to urination or poop, or when your body cools down from sweat.

What can I do to stop hiccups?

Hiccups usually stop on their own over time.
However, if you see a small baby hiccuping in pain, you may feel sorry for them or become worried.

In such a case, it would be a good idea to hold him in your arms and gently rock with him while soothing him rhythmically. We also recommend holding your dog vertically and gently patting their back.
If you swallow air with your milk, burping may help relieve the problem. One way is to give your baby a small amount of breast milk or formula.
If your baby is feeling cold and has hiccups, warming your baby or changing his diaper may help. If your child is sweating, wipe off the sweat and let him or her change into a change of clothes.

What should you not do when you have hiccups?

Have you ever heard that hiccups stop when you startle? You've probably been surprised or surprised by something at least once.

However, it is not okay to startle your baby when he/she is having hiccups. You may be so surprised that you may temporarily stop breathing or become unwell. Shaking your child violently or patting him on the back is also not allowed. Remember, "We don't do shock therapy."

Placing the patient on their stomach also increases the risk of suffocation or respiratory arrest. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare warns that children should be placed on their backs when sleeping, especially until they are one year old.
Giving your dog a small amount of milk or hot water may be effective, but avoid giving them too much or cold water. Stomach distension and coldness are the causes of hiccups, so this can have the opposite effect.

What are hiccups to worry about?

If it continues for too long, there is a possibility of some kind of health problem, so you need to be careful.
If hiccups persist for a long time and you are unable to breastfeed, we recommend that you consult your doctor.

In addition to hiccups, if your child has a fever, vomiting, a swollen stomach, drools a lot, or seems to be in pain, go to the hospital immediately. You should also be careful if your dog seems unusual, such as being in a worse mood than usual, feeling groggy, or breathing heavily. Observe the condition and see a doctor if it seems strange.