Hiccups are innate, involuntary reflexes that could begin in the womb at just nine weeks of gestational age (1). Though they aren’t a cause for worry, hiccups in kids can be bothersome since they can disrupt what they are doing and make them fussy and irritable. Hiccups are caused by the contraction of the diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs. They are generally self-limiting and go away on their own in a few minutes. However, though adults are usually willing to wait for a hiccup episode to pass, children aren’t. Hence, parents need to be equipped with remedies that could stop the hiccups quickly. If your child is prone to frequent bouts of hiccups, continue reading. This post tells you about types of hiccups, their causes, and home remedies that could help manage hiccups in children.
Are Hiccups Good Or Bad?
Hiccups are pretty common in children and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. A recent study conducted on newborns suggests hiccups may promote brain development and help regulate breathing (1). The researchers believe that the hiccups trigger brain signals that help babies learn how to regulate their breathing. However, persistent hiccups could indicate an underlying disorder. If hiccups affect the child’s ability to eat, breathe, or sleep, consult a doctor.
Types Of Hiccups
Hiccups can be classified into three types based on the duration of each episode (2) (3).
Hiccups that last for a few seconds or minutes are called transient hiccups. Those that linger for 48 hours to one month are termed persistent hiccups. Hiccups that last for more than a month are termed intractable hiccups. This type of hiccups is rare and usually seen only in adults.
Persistent and retractable hiccups can lead to certain complications and affect the child’s quality of life (4).
Causes Of Hiccups In Children
The following are some of the most common triggers of hiccups in children (5) (6) (7):
Eating or drinking too much Eating or drinking too fast Eating spicy foods Drinking carbonated drinks Drinking ice-cold water or very hot water/ beverages alternately Indigestion Stress Bad odors
Besides these common causes, hiccups can also be triggered by
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) wherein the stomach fluids flow back up into the esophagus (8). Strong emotions, such as excessive excitement. Over tiredness.
In some extremely rare cases, hiccups are a symptom of an underlying health condition that affects the esophagus, lungs, brain, or stomach (4). Hiccups can also be caused due to a side effect of surgery or certain medication. Hiccups due to these factors could prolong for a longer duration and can disrupt the child’s everyday activities.
When To See A Doctor?
If you notice any of the following conditions in your child, consider it serious enough to warrant a visit to the health care provider.
If a bout of hiccups stays for longer than 24 hours, and it upsets your child or interferes with their everyday activities, talk to a doctor and learn ways to handle it. If the hiccups last longer than 48 hours, you should see a doctor. Intractable hiccups that last more than a month are uncommon in young children, but if your child experiences it, visiting the doctor is a must. See a doctor if you notice drastic weight loss in the child or insomnia that you believe is connected to hiccups.
Make a note of any other symptoms that the child may exhibit. If your child is on medication for any other conditions, do mention that to the doctor. Uncontrolled hiccups can be a symptom of some serious ailments, a side effect of some kinds of medications, and also an indicator of a foreign object in the ear (2).
How To Stop Hiccups In Kids?
You can prevent frequent hiccups in your child by taking a few simple steps. Note that these steps are generally recommended for shortening bouts of transient hiccups and not for treating persistent and intractable hiccups (2).
Ensure the child does not gulp down food too fast. Teach the child to chew well before swallowing. Tell them to sip drinks slowly. Teach your child the habit of drinking straight from a glass Avoid using straws. Prevent your child from eating very hot and very cold foods alternatively. Avoid overfeeding your child, and if they are old enough to eat on their own, ensure they do not overeat.
Different people handle hiccups in different ways. If you are outside and are caught unawares, you can ask your child to try any of the following ways to manage hiccups:
Drink a glass of water Hold their breath for as long as they can Breathe into a paper bag. Note that they should only use a paper bag and avoid plastic bags Take slow, measured breaths Ask them to put their head in between their knees, as far as they reach, to put pressure on the diaphragm. Try to distract them
You could also startle the child or give them a fright. Take care not to traumatize the child. The goal is to surprise them so that they get distracted from the hiccups. Some parents tickle the little ones instead of giving them a fright, which could be effective too.
Home Remedies For Hiccups In Children
Hiccups in children are such a common occurrence that experienced parents usually have home remedies at hand. These simple, safe treatments for hiccups can help you soothe the child and avoid doctor visits unless it is a case of persistent or intractable hiccups (6).
