Patient's question:
This week I've been hiccuping constantly, accompanied by gurgling sounds in my stomach. The past two days have been accompanied by abdominal pain and a poor appetite. What could be the cause, and how can I treat the hiccuping?Duration of current episode and persistence: One week
Current general condition: A bit of a cough
Medical history: Open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease.
Doctor's answer:
For infants, due to their immature physiological structure and digestive function, they are prone to diaphragmatic spasms, which manifest as hiccups, when exposed to cold stimuli. When babies encounter this situation, parents do not need to worry too much. First, they can give the child a warm glass of water and repeatedly offer warm water. This helps the child to expel the air as soon as possible. If conditions permit, a warm water bag can be used to apply heat to the abdomen while avoiding burns.