What Exactly Are Hiccups?
Hiccups develop when the diaphragm suddenly and involuntarily contracts, together with the larynx and the glottis (the opening through which sound is produced). As a consequence, there is a quick rush of inhaled air, followed by the distinctive “hic” sound.
Medical professionals refer to hiccups as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter or singultus. Symptoms might show up alone or in clusters. In many cases, the time between hiccups is regular, making them rhythmic.
Occasionally, it may be persistent, which may continue for a month or more. If you have had the hiccups for more than two months, This type of hiccup is called intractable.
Popular Reasons for getting Hiccups
Minor hiccups (those that disappear quickly) may occur when:
- consuming carbonated beverages
- Eating a great amount of food
- Stress
- Abrupt changes in temperature
- Frequent air Swallowing while talking or chewing something
How To Get Rid Of Hiccups
Unfortunately, the hiccups won't go away if you hang upside down or get scared by a friend, and there is no hard evidence to support the efficacy of these treatments.
However, some professionals believe that the opposite strategy—holding one's breath or exhaling into a paper bag—might be effective.
You may also try taking a calm, deep breath in and out, or drinking a glass of cool water.
If the hiccups persist for more than a few days, your doctor may prescribe a variety of drugs to try to alleviate the problem.
Newborn Hiccups
The hiccups are quite frequent in infants younger than 12 months. Actually, babies often have hiccups even while developing within the uterus.
In most cases, a newborn will not be bothered by hiccups and there is no need to worry. Normally, the hiccups will go away on their own within 5-10 minutes, but if they persist for more than a few hours, it is strongly recommended to take him to a doctor.
Babies often hiccup while being fed, and they also hiccup for seemingly no cause at all. Your baby's hiccups are quite normal, and you shouldn't attempt to stop them. However, breastfeeding or a glass of water may help.
5 Valuable Tips to Avoid Baby Hiccups
1. Avoid Feeding To Quickly
Your infant may be having hiccups because you are feeding him or her very fast. If your infant is likely to suffer from hiccups, slower feeding may help.
2. Avoid Feeding In Crying Time
It's best to feed your infant before you hear any cries of hunger. Your baby's esophagus may get inflamed if its milk does not flow down easily because of its discomfort.
3. Burping During Lactation
It's possible that babies will begin hiccuping while they're being fed because they have too much gas and it's aggravating their stomachs. In this case, keeping their heads raised up and having their backs softly tapped is the best solution.
4. Hold him In an Upright position
Your newborn's digestion will run more smoothly if they are held up in an upright posture.
5. Proper Latch
Ensure that your infant receives a good latch all the way around the nipple when you're feeding him.
Gripe Water for Newborns
Many people treat hiccups with gripe water. Gripe water is a mixture of water and herbs. Despite the fact that there is no proof to back up the claims that it relieves colic or other gastrointestinal discomforts, some people claim it does.
Worth to mention that clinical studies have not shown that gripe water may relieve infant hiccups. Furthermore, it is regarded as supplementation and it is not regulated by the FDA.
On the contrary, one source advises against feeding newborns gripe water prior to the age of six months since it may decrease the quantity of breast milk a baby would drink, as this may cause some side effects.
It's better to talk to your pediatrician before giving him or her anything new.
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