Reasons Why a Baby Hiccups Frequently in a Day
Disease description:
My baby has been hiccuping frequently throughout the day recently, with each episode lasting several minutes. He/She hasn't been eating too quickly or exposed to cold temperatures. I'm wondering whether this could be due to indigestion or another issue, and how it can be relieved?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
It is common for babies to experience frequent hiccups due to eating too quickly, swallowing excessive air, or having an immature digestive system.
If a baby suckles too fast during feeding, he or she may swallow a significant amount of air, leading to hiccups. Trying to let the baby eat slowly or keeping the baby upright during feeding may help reduce air swallowing. Incorrect feeding positions or air present in the bottle may also cause the baby to ingest excessive air, resulting in hiccups.
A baby's gastrointestinal system is not yet fully developed. If feedings are too frequent, it may lead to indigestion and bloating, which can subsequently cause hiccups. When a baby's abdomen gets chilled, it may irritate the esophagus and diaphragm, causing diaphragm spasms and resulting in hiccups.
After feeding, holding the baby upright and gently patting his or her back to help release gas can reduce the occurrence of hiccups. If the baby does not exhibit other discomfort symptoms besides hiccups, there is generally no need for special concern. However, if the hiccups are accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, or other unusual symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to rule out any potential health issues.
