Patient's question:
The child has been crying non-stop recently and isn't eating much. How should I burp the baby?Doctor's answer:
Hiccups, medically known as "singultus," are involuntary intermittent contractions of the diaphragm, where air is suddenly inhaled into the respiratory tract, accompanied by a sudden closure of the glottis during inhalation, producing a distinctive short, sharp sound. Continuous contractions of the diaphragm lower the pressure in the chest, which can cause discomfort. In healthy individuals, hiccups may occur due to emotional stress or rapid swallowing of dry food while drinking little water, but they usually resolve on their own.