Causes and How to Get Rid of Hiccups in a Newborn after Feeding

The problem that many parents face is hiccups in newborns after feeding. Consider the reasons for its appearance, risk factors and methods of treatment.

With the advent of a new long-awaited family member, new problems and phenomena appear that can cause concern. Such a factor can become attacks of hiccups in the baby that occur after eating. They can last a couple of minutes, and maybe longer, causing inconvenience to the child.

According to the ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases, this problem is included in Class XVIII (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormalities found in clinical and laboratory studies not elsewhere classified:

R00-R09 Symptoms and signs related to circulatory and respiratory systems.

• R06 Abnormal breathing.
  • R06.6 İkota.

Hiccups is a nonspecific violation of external respiration. It arises because of convulsive trembling contractions of the diaphragm and is manifested by unpleasant, intense respiratory movements. It can occur without apparent at first sight causes and is temporary.

Is the hiccough of newborns dangerous?

Faced with such a problem as a baby's diaphragmatic spasms, many parents are wondering how serious this is. Whether the hiccups of newborns are dangerous, completely depends on the causes of its origin and the presence of concomitant symptoms. Babies hiccup in the womb of the mother. As this grows older, this problem usually disappears. Some doctors believe that this is a useless reaction of the body. But there is a hypothesis that such attacks are a reflex that protects against overeating.

Very often, in order to eliminate the cause of the defect, it is enough to get rid of the factors that provoked it. But if no actions help, this can indicate a certain disease, which is very dangerous for the child's body. If the problem lasts more than 20 minutes and periodically occurs during the crescent, this may be a sign of such violations as:

• Helminthiasis.
• Pneumonia.
• Inflammation of organs in the thoracic region.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Cardiovascular pathology.
• Violations of the central nervous system.
• Hyperexcitability.
• Diabetes.

For example, with pneumonia, the diaphragm is constantly irritated, causing seizures. The disorder can talk about the presence of helminths. If there is shortness of breath, then you can suspect the Briquet syndrome and other pathologies on the part of the respiratory system. The presence of infection in the diaphragm and its spasms indicate pneumonia or inflammatory mediastinal lesions. To determine how dangerous a hiccup is and to establish its cause, you should consult a pediatrician.

Causes of the hiccups after breastfeeding

In order to eliminate frequent convulsive contractions of the diaphragm in children, attention should be paid to the general health and behavior of the child. The causes of hiccups in a newborn after feeding are most often associated with:

• Air. When eating, the baby can grab excess air. He overflows his stomach, presses against the diaphragm, thereby provoking hiccups. This situation can develop due to incorrect attachment to the chest, too large a hole in the nipple or greedy sucking a child.
• Binge eating. The reason is similar to swallowing excess air. The infant still has an imperfect mechanism of saturation, as a result, the baby is overeating. Then the overcrowded stomach irritates the nerve endings of the diaphragm, thereby causing hiccough. Also the practice of feeding by the hour provokes overeating. A starving kid can not stop in time.
• Intestinal colic. In connection with the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, the baby may suffer from intestinal colic. The accumulation of gases in the intestine leads to a painful swelling of the abdomen and hiccups in the newborn.

Perhaps the cause of discomfort is not related to feeding, but it coincided in time. In this case, seizures may indicate such pathological factors:

• Thirst. If the air is overdried or the temperature in the room is too high, the baby may want to drink. With an unfavorable microclimate, it is necessary to solve the problem of dopaivanii child with water, if the milk does not satisfy his need for liquid.
• Immaturity of internal organs - the internal organs of a newborn are sensitive to various stimuli. This is particularly evident with respect to the digestive system, causing aerophagia and hiccups.
• Subcooling the body - the child reacts to cold air with a strong muscle contraction. Because of the lowered temperature, abdominal muscles contract, and the internal organs support the diaphragm. Ikanie acts as an attempt of the body to relax the muscles of the diaphragm and to facilitate breathing.
• Fright - stress always causes muscle contractions, which in turn can cause diaphragm spasms. Bright light, loud sounds and a number of other factors can cause frustration.
• Strong crying and cry - during crying, the baby strains muscles and gains air not only into the lungs, but also into the stomach. The organ grows and stretches the vagus nerve that passes through its surface.

In addition to the above reasons, attacks occur with injuries of the brain or spinal cord, neuritis of the diaphragmatic nerve, helminthic invasion.

To help the child get rid of hiccups, it should be picked up, pressing his belly to him. Vertical position promotes the release of excess air from the stomach. If the problem is related to hypothermia, then warm it, with overexcitation or fright - try to calm. If anxiety often makes itself felt, then you should seek medical help. Since hiccups can be a signal of the body about developing diseases.

Hiccup in a newborn after feeding a mixture

Artificial children, no less than other babies, suffer from spasms of the diaphragm. Hiccups in a newborn after feeding a mixture may arise because of individual intolerance to the product. In order to prevent this condition, you should consult your doctor. The pediatrician will help in selecting a hypoallergenic mixture for crumbs.

Also, you need to carefully check the purchased food for originality. If the baby feels well after feeding the chosen product, then do not try to pick up another one. Baby food is not for experimentation.

Even if the mixture is suitable, and the newborn still hiccups after it, there may be a too large aperture in the nipple of the bottle. As a result, the baby swallows excess air, which causes regular attacks of hiccoughs. An unpleasant condition is accompanied by frequent regurgitation.

Risk factors

Hiccups in infants after feeding, can occur for a variety of reasons. The risk factors for its occurrence are divided into physiological and pathological, consider them:

The first group includes innocuous causes, provoking short-term attacks lasting from 5 to 20 minutes.

• Binge eating.
• Fast / greedy absorption of food.
• Ingestion of the air during meals.
• Subcooling the body.
• Fright and emotional turmoil.
• Glistovye infestations.
• Irritation of nerve endings in the larynx (inhalation of contaminated air).

The second group of risk factors is pathological. An unpleasant condition persists for two or more days, causing additional painful symptoms:

• Pathology on the part of the digestive system.
• Diseases of the respiratory system.
• Violations from the CNS.
• Pathology of the cardiovascular system.
• Intoxication of the body with food or medicine.
• Tumor neoplasms.

In most cases, after eliminating the factors causing bouts of hiccough, the condition of the baby is normalized.

[1],

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of the appearance of hiccups is based on the functioning of the respiratory and nervous system, digestive organs. The pathogenesis of this defect after feeding depends on the action of many factors.

The thoracic and abdominal cavities divide the diaphragm between them. It is located under the lungs above the digestive organs and regulates the breathing process. If the nerve endings in the diaphragm are irritated, then it causes it to quickly contract. And through the narrowed vocal chords in the lungs, air is sharply sucked in, creating a specific sound.

Attacks occur because of the action of stimuli on the vagus nerve. It is a fiber of nerve endings with a protective shell that runs from the skull to the internal organs. The irritation signal is transmitted to the so-called "hiccup center". Intermediate nerve fibers are located in the cervical spinal cord, and central in the stem brain. It is these structures that make the decision to reduce the diaphragm.

[2], [3]

Complications and consequences

In itself, hiccup does not cause consequences and complications, of course, unless it is caused by pathological causes. But prolonged and frequent seizures in newborns lead to such problems:

• Decreased body weight.
• Difficulties with falling asleep.
• Increased fatigue and capriciousness.
• Frequent regurgitation and vomiting.
• Frequent crying because of severe headaches.

Spasms of the diaphragm can cause stretching and weakening of the cardia, that is, the muscles that separate the esophagus and stomach. In rare cases, the hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm is developing. Proceeding from this, it can be concluded that the often occurring hiccup in a newborn requires complex diagnosis and treatment.

[4], [5], [6]

Diagnostics of the hiccups after breastfeeding

To determine the causes that caused hiccups in a newborn after feeding, you should consult a pediatrician. Diagnosis will identify the factors that triggered the disorder.

Surveys begin with an anamnesis. The doctor asks the parents about how often there are seizures, whether they occur with additional symptoms (crying, bloating, vomiting) and how the infant feeds.

If necessary, an X-ray examination is performed to identify the gas bubble of the stomach and the features of the structure of the diaphragm. Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are also shown. They are necessary for assessing the general condition of the body and setting the final diagnosis.

[7], [8], [9]

Differential diagnosis

On the symptomatology, frequent convulsive reductions of a diaphragm at babies, arising after feeding, can be connected with various pathologies in an organism. Differential diagnosis can determine the true causes of the disorder.

Attacks of hiccups are compared with such possible diseases:

• Pathology of the cardiovascular system.
• Diabetes.
• Congenital anomalies and diseases of the digestive tract.
• Inflammation of the thoracic organs.
• Disorders of the central nervous system.

For differentiation, both laboratory and instrumental methods are used. According to her results, the doctor puts the final diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribes treatment or methods of correction / prevention of an unpleasant condition.

Treatment of the hiccups after breastfeeding

Every adult knows that convulsive contractions of the diaphragm deliver not only physical, but also psychological discomfort. If these seizures occur in the child, then this causes real concern.

Consider how to help the baby and what to do with a hiccup in a newborn after feeding:

1. Correctly give the child a breast / bottle and watch how he sucks it. If the baby sucks too fast, then there is a risk of swallowing a lot of air. To avoid greedy sucking, do not make long breaks between feedings. If you give a bottle, then take a couple of breaks, lift the baby with a column, so that he lets out excess air.
2. Try not to give your baby a chest when he cries. Calming the crying baby by feeding is a mistake, because there is a high risk not only for hiccups, but also for vomiting.
3. If the baby eats from a bottle, then choose nipples with small holes. This will save crumbs from fast sucking and swallowing of air.
4. Immediately after feeding, do not perform active games. The kid should stay calm for at least 20 minutes, so as not to provoke a diaphragm spasm.
5. Do not wear a newborn, putting it on your arm. That is, do not allow excess pressure on the stomach.
6. Do not overfeed the baby and do not use the lure too often. Feeding with a spoon causes excessive air swallowing. Try to give food in small portions.

If the hiccup is strong, then give the child a drink of water and hold it upright for 5-10 minutes. In most cases, the disorder passes on its own within 10-20 minutes.

Medications

If the hiccup of a newborn after feeding is associated with the immaturity of his digestive system and intestinal colic, then medication may be prescribed. Medicines are chosen by the doctor, individually for each baby. Most often, children are prescribed such means:

1. Bebins

Combined drug with active components of plant origin. It has spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory and carminative properties. Improves digestion. Contains extract of chamomile, coriander and fennel.

• Indications for use: colic, flatulence, digestive disorders in children and adults.
• Method of administration: patients under the age of 1 year are prescribed 3-6 drops of medication dissolved in 20-40 ml of water. The drug is taken 2-3 times a day. For children from 1 to 6 years, 6-10 drops are shown, and for patients older than 6 years, 10-15 drops 3 times a day.
• Side effects: in most cases, the drug is well tolerated. Perhaps the development of allergic reactions. When they appear, stop taking the drug and seek medical help to adjust the dosage. There have been no cases of overdose.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, intolerance to sorbitol. It is not recommended for pregnant women, but can be used during lactation.

Bebinin is available in the form of drops for oral use in bottles of 30 ml.

2. The Espumizan

Medication with the ability to reduce the surface tension of the bubbles, speeding up their decay. The released gas is absorbed by the walls of the intestine or is freely excreted from the body, thanks to good intestinal peristalsis. Such properties of the drug are effective in flatulence and the state when it is necessary to reduce the amount of free gas in the intestine.

• Indications for use: flatulence, belching, dyspepsia, additive to the suspension of contrast agents for obtaining a double contrast image, condition before surgery or diagnostic examinations.
• How to use: infants are prescribed 40 mg of emulsion during meals, mixing it with liquid. Children from 6 to 14 years, 40-80 mg once a day. For adults, 80 mg once. The medicine can be used for poisoning with detergents. In this case, the emulsion is taken by 10-50 ml children and 50-100 ml adults, the dosage depends on the severity of the poisoning.
• In rare cases, there is a development of allergic reactions. Symptoms of overdose are not fixed. Emulsion is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance of its components. It is possible to use the drug during pregnancy and lactation.

Espumizane L is available in the form of an emulsion and capsules for oral administration.

3. Bobotik

The medicinal product with the active substance is simethicone. It has carminative properties. Reduces the tension of gas bubbles and destroys their walls. Bubbles release the gas, which is excreted by peristalsis. The drug works as a defoaming agent, prevents flatulence, bloating, colic and painful spasms. Active components do not penetrate through the walls of the intestine and the vessels, that is, are not carried by the bloodstream. The action of the medicine is limited to the digestive tract.

• Indications for use: flatulence and concomitant symptomatology, digestive system diseases, postoperative period and preparation for diagnostic manipulations.
• Method of administration: The medicine is allowed for children older than 28 days of life. Dosage for patients from 28 days to 2 years is 8 drops 3-4 times a day. For children from 2 to 6 years, 14 drops, and for patients over 6 years and adults, 16 drops in a single dose 4 times a day.
• Side effects: allergic reactions. There have been no cases of overdose.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, violations of peristalsis and intestinal permeability, patients under 28 years of age. With special care is prescribed during pregnancy and lactation.

The bobotik is issued in the form of an emulsion in a vial with a dispenser of 30 ml of medicament in each.

4. Button

Helps reduce the symptoms of flatulence, facilitates and accelerates the removal of gases from the body. Does not have a systemic effect, is not metabolized, is excreted during defecation.

• Indications for use: symptomatic treatment of increased gas formation in the intestine of various etiologies and associated symptoms. Used in the preparation of patients for diagnostic procedures in the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs. It is a nonspecific antidote used for poisoning with surfactants.
• How to use: The medicine is allowed for babies from 6 months. The product is taken orally by shaking the bottle thoroughly before each use. Patients under 1 year are prescribed 1 drop 3-4 times a day, children 1-2 years for 2 drops, for babies 2-4 years for 2 drops, children 4-6 years for 3 drops and patients over 6 years for 4 drops preparation. The course of treatment is determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient.
• Side effects: skin allergic reactions, pain in the abdominal cavity, bloating.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Kuplaton is available in 30 ml each.

5. Infakol

A drug that reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles and facilitates their removal from the intestine. It is not absorbed into the systemic circulation and does not have a systemic effect. Output unchanged with feces.

• Indications: The drug is used in pediatric practice for infants. Eliminates spasms of smooth muscles of the intestine and colic.
• Method of use: the suspension is taken orally in undiluted condition. Newborns appoint 0.5 ml of the drug. The remedy should be given to the child before each feeding. The maximum therapeutic effect is observed after 2-3 days.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, skin rash, hives and itching. There have been no cases of overdose.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. It is not used for the treatment of adults and the elderly.

Infakol is available in the form of an oral suspension in 50, 75 and 100 ml vials.

6. Sub Simplex

The drug that destroys the gas bubbles in the lumen of the intestine. Contains active substance - stable surface-active polymethyloxane. Reduces pain caused by stretching the intestinal wall under the action of gas bubbles.

• Indications for use: various gastrointestinal disorders with increased gas production. Increased gassing in the postoperative period and preparation for diagnostic procedures. Poisoning with detergents with surface-active components.
• Method of application: for children under 1 year, 15 drops of the drug are prescribed, diluted in milk or water. For patients older than 6 years, 20-30 drops after each meal, but not more often than every 4 hours. For patients of adult age, 30-45 drops. The suspension is taken orally, the duration of treatment is determined by the physician, individually for each patient.
• Side effects: skin allergic reactions, hyperemia, itching. For treatment, the withdrawal of the drug or a reduction in dosage is indicated. There is no information about an overdose.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance of the components of the drug, intestinal obstruction, obstructive diseases of the digestive tract. The medicine is allowed during pregnancy and lactation.

The Simplex Simplex is available in the form of a suspension for oral administration. Each vial contains 30 ml of active substance.

7. Iberogast

Complex drug with plant composition. Has a tonic effect on the digestive tract, normalizes the tone of the smooth muscles of the digestive organs, but does not affect peristalsis.

• Indications for use: violations of the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, gastric cramps of various etiologies, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorders with hiccups, heartburn and eructations. Auxiliary in the complex treatment of ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum.
• Dosage: for children up to 3 months of 6 drops, from 3 months to 3 years for 8 drops, from 3 to 6 years for 10 drops, for children 6-12 years for 15 drops and for adults 20 drops. The medicine is diluted with warm water or another liquid.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, stool disorders. Cases of overdose are not described.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the medication. Use during pregnancy is possible only with the appropriate medical clearance.

Iberogast is available in the form of drops for oral administration in vials of 20, 50 and 100 ml.

8. Colicoid

A drug that eliminates gas bubbles in the intestine in patients with flatulence. Contains active ingredient with a surface active effect. Relieves pain in flatulence. Can be used for diagnostic procedures.

• Indications for use: symptomatic therapy of patients with gastrointestinal diseases and excessive gassing in the intestine. Effective for poisoning with detergents and other chemicals.
• Method of use: to achieve maximum therapeutic effect, the drug should be taken on time or after meals. The dosage of the suspension is determined using a special spoon or syringe. Newborns and infants are prescribed 0.5-1 ml of suspension, for children older than 6 years, 1-2 ml of the drug 3 times a day.
• Side effects: skin allergic reactions. There have been no cases of overdose.
• Contraindications: intolerance of components, intestinal obstruction, obstructive diseases of the digestive tract. The use of the drug during pregnancy and lactation is possible only with the appropriate medical clearance.

Colic acid is released in the form of a suspension of 30 and 60 ml, as well as in the form of tablets.

Before using drugs to treat newborns should consult a pediatrician. It is contraindicated to give your baby any medicines, as there is a risk of serious adverse reactions.

Folk treatment

To eliminate hiccups in a newborn, some parents decide to use traditional treatment. Especially popular and effective are such methods:

• Take in equal proportions fennel and anise. Grind the ingredients and pour a glass of boiling water. As soon as the infusion cools down, strain and give a few sips to the baby.
• A tablespoon of herb gray beetles should be filled with a glass of boiling water and let it brew until it cools down. Give the child 1-2 tablespoons.
• Pour a couple of leaves of mint and lemon balm with boiling water. After cooling, give a soothing drink to the baby.

Such therapy can be dangerous for the baby, since there is a risk of hypersensitivity reactions to herbal components, so before using it, you should consult a pediatrician. Also give the child to drink water, try to make the baby calm down and take a slow breathe.

[10], [11]

Herbal Treatment

Another method to combat bouts of hiccups in toddlers is the treatment with herbs. Most often use such recipes:

• Mix in equal proportions peppermint and chamomile, pour boiling water and let it brew. Give the child ¼ cup of the drink received.
• An effective remedy for fighting with hiccups is oregano. Grind the plant and combine with 300 ml of oil (olive, sunflower). Mix the ingredients and let it brew for 24 hours, strain. With frequent spasms of the diaphragm, give the baby 2 drops of medication.
• Take a tablespoon of dill seeds and pour a glass of boiling water. The product must be infused before cooling down. After that, it should be filtered and give the child 1 teaspoon a couple of times a day.
• Chop a couple of leaves of laurel and pour boiling water. Once the infusion has cooled, you need to give a couple drops to the newborn.

In addition to the above recipes for the preparation of the present from the hiccups, you can use the root of valerian. Mix the root of the plant with the dried leaves of the motherwort and pour 250 ml of boiling water. After an hour, strain and give the child 150 ml per day.

Homeopathy

Prolonged attacks hiccups cause a lot of discomfort to the newborn and cause anxiety in the parents. Homeopathy is a rather controversial method of treatment, before which you should consult a pediatrician.

Most often to relax the spasmodic muscles of the diaphragm use such drugs:

• Magnesia phosphorica 6X - removes irritation, digestive disorders, hiccough.
• Acidum sulfuricum - hiccup with cramps.
• Gelsemium - a disorder occurs in the evening, there are severe headaches and deterioration in overall well-being.
• Hyoscuamus - seizures occur after eating and are accompanied by spasms in the abdomen.
• Natrium muriaticum - a strong hiccup, does not depend on food intake and time of day.

Homeopathy is very rarely used to treat children, especially newborns.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of hiccups, there are a few simple recommendations. Prevention of this phenomenon in newborns consists of:

• Feed the baby should not be on the clock, but on demand. Thanks to this, the child will not eagerly absorb food. In this case, the time intervals should be gradually increased, and the amount of food consumed should be reduced.
• Before giving the baby milk, express it, especially if there is a large tide. The rear milk for the baby is more satisfying.
• Make sure that the baby grasps not only the nipple, but also the halo of the breast. If the baby is on artificial feeding, then keep the bottle so that the nipple is completely filled with the mixture. This will prevent ingestion of air. Pay attention to the sounds produced during the process.
• Do not give the baby a breast / bottle if he is naughty. First, calm the baby and then start feeding him.
• During lactation, mum is recommended to adhere to a sparing diet, especially in the first few months after birth. It is necessary to abandon the products that cause gas formation. If the child is on artificial feeding, then when choosing a formula for milk it is necessary to consult a pediatrician. The size of the nipple should be small so that the baby sucks the mixture.
• Since attacks of hiccups can occur due to hypothermia of the body, it is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature for the newborn. Constantly watch the temperature in the house.
• After feeding, hold the child in a column, that is, in an upright position, tapping lightly on the back to let out the air and go belching.

In addition to the above recommendations, many doctors advise 5-10 minutes before feeding put the baby on his tummy. This will release the accumulated gases. And after the child has eaten, it can not be laid on the back for at least 20 minutes.

[12], [13]

Forecast

Hiccups in a newborn after feeding have a favorable prognosis. Since in most cases it is associated with improper feeding and physiological immaturity of its gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. The convulsive contractions of the diaphragm pass independently, as the baby grows up. The task of parents is to minimize the swallowing of the baby's air during feeding. But if the hiccup is accompanied by additional pathological symptoms, then it is necessary to show the baby to the pediatrician.