Causes of Hiccups in Infants and Toddlers and How to Manage Them

In general, hiccups refer to singultus (involuntary contraction of the diaphragm). Hiccups in infants and young children may be caused by eating too quickly, abdominal chilling, indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux, or other reasons. Management should be carried out under a doctor's guidance through general measures, medications, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Eating Too Quickly

When infants and young children eat too fast, they tend to swallow excessive air, leading to an accumulation of gas in the stomach that stimulates the diaphragm and causes hiccups. This may also be accompanied by mild bloating or discomfort. It is important to adjust the child’s eating pace and encourage slow feeding.

2. Abdominal Chilling

If the abdomen is not properly kept warm and becomes chilled, intestinal spasms or muscle tension may occur, stimulating the diaphragm and resulting in hiccups. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal bloating, or increased bowel sounds. As directed by a physician, medications such as Jian'er Xiaoshi Oral Liquid, Wushi Cha Granules, or Clostridium butyricum Live Bacterial Granules may be used for treatment.

3. Indigestion

Improper diet or overeating can lead to indigestion, causing food to remain in the stomach and produce gas, which stimulates the diaphragm. In addition to hiccups, symptoms may include bloating, poor appetite, and nausea. Under medical guidance, medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Oral Liquid, Compound Pepsin Granules, or Hawthorn and Medicinal Ferment Granules may be administered.

4. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Gastrointestinal dysfunction may result from various factors, including emotional stress, improper diet, or gastrointestinal infections, leading to disrupted digestive function. Besides hiccups, symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Treatment under medical supervision may include Domperidone Suspension, Mosapride Citrate Oral Solution, or Infant Spleen-Qi Tonic Powder.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux

Dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus, stimulating the diaphragm. In addition to hiccups, symptoms may include acid regurgitation, heartburn, chest pain, coughing, and difficulty swallowing. Under a doctor’s direction, medications such as Domperidone Suspension, Hydrotalcite Granules, or L-Glutamine and Glutazol Sodium Granules may be prescribed.

To prevent hiccups in infants and young children, it is important to control their eating speed and avoid rapid feeding, ensure adequate abdominal warmth to prevent chilling, maintain a balanced diet, avoid overeating and indigestion, and regularly monitor digestive health. Prompt adjustments to diet and daily habits can help reduce the occurrence of hiccups and support overall infant health.