Patient's question:
The baby often suddenly hiccups while playing, or right after feeding. It has been happening for two days now, with hiccups occurring for a period each day. What could be causing a newborn to hiccup every day, and how should it be handled?Doctor's answer:
Hello. Hiccup is a common symptom in infancy. Persistent hiccuping is caused by diaphragmatic spasms and continuous diaphragmatic contraction. Diaphragmatic movement is controlled by the autonomic nervous system.After a child is born, within the first one or two months, the autonomic nerves that regulate the diaphragm have not yet fully developed. When a child is exposed to slight stimuli, such as inhaling cold air or drinking milk too quickly, the diaphragm may suddenly contract, leading to rapid inhalation and producing the sound of "hiccuping."
After three months, as the nerves that regulate the diaphragm develop more fully, the hiccuping phenomenon naturally improves.
When a child is hiccuping, a little milk or water can help alleviate the symptoms. Pressing the child's ears from top to bottom with your hand can also help. The middle of the second diaphragm is the position where the ear is pricked. Holding this position for about 30 seconds can relieve the hiccuping symptoms.