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. Let's consider the reasons for its occurrence, risk factors and treatment methods.

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

According to the international classification of diseases ICD-10, this problem is included in class XVIII (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and deviations from the norm revealed in clinical and laboratory studies, not classified in other headings:

R00-R09 Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems.

• R06 Abnormal breathing.
  • R06.6 Hiccups.

Hiccups are a non-specific disorder of external respiration. They arise from convulsive jerky contractions of the diaphragm and are manifested by unpleasant, intense breathing movements. They can occur without any apparent reason at first glance and are temporary.

Are newborn hiccups dangerous?

When faced with such a problem as diaphragm spasms in a child, many parents wonder how serious it is. Whether hiccups in newborns are dangerous depends entirely on the causes of their origin and the presence of accompanying symptoms. Babies hiccup in the womb. As they grow 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, 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 may indicate a certain disease, which is very dangerous for the child's body. If the problem lasts more than 20 minutes and periodically occurs for half a month, this may be a sign of such disorders as:

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

For example, with pneumonia, the diaphragm is constantly irritated, causing attacks. The disorder may indicate the presence of helminths. If there is shortness of breath, then one can suspect Briquet's syndrome and other pathologies of the respiratory system. The presence of infection in the diaphragm and its spasms indicate pneumonia or inflammatory lesions of the mediastinum. To determine how dangerous hiccups are and establish their cause, you should consult a pediatrician.

Causes infant hiccups after feeding

In order to eliminate frequent convulsive contractions of the diaphragm in children, you should pay attention 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 may swallow excess air. It overfills the stomach, presses on the diaphragm, thereby causing hiccups. This situation may arise due to improper attachment to the breast, too large a hole in the nipple, or the baby sucking greedily.
• Overeating. The reason is similar to swallowing excess air. A baby has an imperfect mechanism for satiation, as a result of which the baby overeats. Then the overfilled stomach irritates the nerve endings of the diaphragm, thereby causing hiccups. Also, the practice of feeding by the clock provokes overeating. A hungry baby cannot stop in time.
• Intestinal colic. Due to the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, the baby may suffer from intestinal colic. The accumulation of gases in the intestines leads to painful bloating and hiccups in the newborn.

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

• Thirst. If the air is too dry or the room temperature is too high, the baby may want to drink. If the microclimate is unfavorable, it is worth considering giving the baby additional water if milk does not satisfy his need for liquid.
• Immaturity of internal organs – the internal organs of a newborn are sensitive to various irritants. This is especially evident in relation to the digestive system, causing aerophagia and hiccups.
• Hypothermia – the child reacts to cold air with strong muscle contraction. Due to the low temperature, the abdominal muscles contract, and the internal organs support the diaphragm. Hiccups are the body's attempt to relax the diaphragm muscles and make breathing easier.
• Fright - stress always causes muscle contractions, which in turn can cause spasms of the diaphragm. Bright light, loud sounds and a number of other factors can cause the disorder.
• Loud crying and screaming – when crying, the baby tenses his muscles and takes air not only into the lungs, but also into the stomach. The organ enlarges and stretches the vagus nerve that runs along its surface.

In addition to the above reasons, attacks occur due to injuries to the brain or spinal cord, neuritis of the phrenic nerve, or helminthic infestation.

To help a child get rid of hiccups, you should pick him up and hold him close to you with his tummy. The vertical position helps the excess air to escape from the stomach. If the problem is related to hypothermia, warm him up; if he is overexcited or frightened, try to calm him down. If anxiety often makes itself known, you should seek medical help. Since hiccups can be a signal from the body about developing diseases.

Hiccups in a newborn after formula feeding

Artificial babies suffer from diaphragm spasms no less than other babies. Hiccups in a newborn after formula feeding may occur due to individual intolerance to the product. In order to prevent this condition, you should consult a doctor. A pediatrician will help in choosing a hypoallergenic formula for the baby.

You also need to check the purchased food very carefully for originality. If the child feels well after feeding the selected product, then you should not try to choose another one. Baby food is not for experiments.

Even if the formula is suitable, and the newborn still hiccups after it, then perhaps the nipple of the bottle has too large a hole. As a result, the baby swallows excess air, which causes regular bouts of hiccups. The unpleasant condition is accompanied by frequent regurgitation.

Risk factors

Hiccups in infants after feeding can occur for many reasons. Risk factors for its occurrence are divided into physiological and pathological, let's consider them:

The first group includes harmless causes that provoke short attacks lasting from 5 to 20 minutes.

• Overeating.
• Rapid/greedy consumption of food.
• Swallowing air while eating.
• Hypothermia.
• Fear and emotional shock.
• Worm infestations.
• Irritation of the nerve endings in the larynx (inhalation of polluted air).

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

• Pathologies of the digestive system.
• Diseases of the respiratory system.
• CNS disorders.
• Pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
• Intoxication of the body with food or medications.
• Tumor neoplasms.

In most cases, after eliminating the factors causing hiccups, the baby’s condition returns to normal.

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Pathogenesis

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

The thoracic and abdominal cavities are separated by the diaphragm. It is located under the lungs above the digestive organs and regulates the breathing process. If the nerve endings in the diaphragm are irritated, this causes it to contract rapidly. And through the narrowed vocal cords, air is rapidly sucked into the lungs, creating a specific sound.

Attacks occur due to the action of irritants on the vagus nerve. It is a fiber of nerve endings with a protective sheath that runs from the skull to the internal organs. The signal about the irritation is transmitted to the so-called "hiccup center". The intermediate nerve fibers are located in the cervical part of the spinal cord, and the central ones in the brainstem. It is these structures that decide to contract the diaphragm.

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Complications and consequences

Hiccups themselves do not cause consequences and complications, unless of course they are caused by pathological reasons. But long and frequent attacks in newborns lead to the following problems:

• Weight loss.
• Difficulty falling asleep.
• Increased fatigue and moodiness.
• Frequent regurgitation and vomiting.
• Frequent crying due to severe headaches.

Spasms of the diaphragm can cause stretching and weakening of the cardia, that is, the muscles separating the esophagus and stomach. In rare cases, a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm develops. Based on this, we can conclude that frequent hiccups in a newborn require complex diagnostics and treatment.

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Diagnostics infant hiccups after feeding

To determine the causes that caused hiccups in a newborn after feeding, you should contact a pediatrician. Diagnostics will help identify the factors that provoked the disorder.

The examination begins with collecting anamnesis. The doctor asks the parents how often the attacks occur, whether they are accompanied by additional symptoms (crying, bloating, vomiting) and how the baby is being fed.

If necessary, an X-ray examination is prescribed to identify the gastric bladder and the structural features of the diaphragm. Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are also indicated. They are necessary to assess the general condition of the body and make a final diagnosis.

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Differential diagnosis

According to their symptoms, frequent convulsive contractions of the diaphragm in infants that occur after feeding can be associated with various pathologies in the body. Differential diagnostics allows us to determine the true causes of the disorder.

Attacks of hiccups are compared with the following possible diseases:

• Pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Congenital anomalies and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Inflammation of the thoracic organs.
• Central nervous system disorders.

Both laboratory and instrumental methods are used for differentiation. Based on its results, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribes treatment or methods of correction/prevention of the unpleasant condition.

Treatment infant hiccups after feeding

Every adult knows that spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm cause not only physical but also psychological discomfort. If such attacks occur in a child, this causes real concern.

Let's consider how to help the baby and what to do if a newborn has hiccups after feeding:

1. It is correct to give the baby a breast/bottle and watch how he sucks it. If the baby sucks too quickly, there is a risk of swallowing a lot of air. To avoid greedy sucking, do not take long breaks between feedings. If you give a bottle, take a couple of breaks, lift the baby up so that he releases excess air.
2. Try not to breastfeed your baby when he cries. Trying to soothe a crying baby by feeding him is a mistake, as there is a high risk of not only hiccups, but also vomiting.
3. If your baby is bottle feeding, choose nipples with small holes. This will prevent your baby from sucking too quickly and swallowing air.
4. Do not play active games immediately after feeding. The baby should remain calm for at least 20 minutes to avoid diaphragm spasms.
5. Do not carry your newborn with his chest on your arm. That is, do not allow unnecessary pressure on the stomach.
6. Do not overfeed your baby or use supplementary feeding too often. Spoon feeding causes the baby to swallow excess air. Try to give food in small portions.

If the hiccups are severe, give the child some water to drink and hold him upright for 5-10 minutes. In most cases, the disorder goes away on its own within 10-20 minutes.

Medicines

If hiccups in a newborn after feeding are associated with the immaturity of its digestive system and intestinal colic, then drug therapy may be prescribed. The doctor selects the medications individually for each baby. Most often, children are prescribed the following medications:

1. Bebinos

A combination drug with active components of plant origin. Has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and carminative properties. Improves digestion. Contains chamomile, coriander and fennel extract.

• Indications for use: colic, flatulence, digestive disorders in children and adults.
• Directions for use: patients under 1 year of age are prescribed 3-6 drops of the medicine dissolved in 20-40 ml of water. The medicine is taken 2-3 times a day. For children from 1 year to 6 years of age, 6-10 drops are indicated, and for patients over 6 years of age, 10-15 drops 3 times a day.
• Side effects: in most cases, the drug is well tolerated. Allergic reactions may develop. If they occur, stop taking the drug and seek medical help to adjust the dosage. No cases of overdose have been recorded.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, sorbitol intolerance. The product is not recommended for pregnant women, but can be used during lactation.

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

2. Espumisan L

A medicine with the ability to reduce the surface tension of bubbles, accelerating their disintegration. The released gas is absorbed by the intestinal walls or freely excreted from the body, thanks to good intestinal peristalsis. Such properties of the drug are effective in flatulence and a condition where it is necessary to reduce the volume of free gas in the intestine.

• Indications for use: flatulence, belching, dyspepsia, addition to suspension of contrast agents to obtain double contrast images, condition before operations or diagnostic examinations.
• Directions for use: infants are prescribed 40 mg of emulsion during meals, mixing it with liquid. Children aged 6 to 14 years are prescribed 40-80 mg once a day. Adults are prescribed 80 mg once. The medicine can be used in cases of poisoning with detergents. In this case, children are prescribed 10-50 ml of emulsion and adults are prescribed 50-100 ml; the dosage depends on the severity of the poisoning.
• In rare cases, allergic reactions may develop. No overdose symptoms have been recorded. The emulsion is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to its components. The drug may be used during pregnancy and lactation.

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

3. Bobotik

A medicine with the active ingredient simethicone. It has carminative properties. Reduces the tension of gas bubbles and destroys their walls. The bubbles release gas, which is excreted by peristalsis. The drug works as an antifoaming agent, prevents flatulence, bloating, colic and painful spasms. The active components do not penetrate the intestinal walls and blood vessels, that is, they are not carried through the bloodstream. The effect of the drug is limited to the gastrointestinal tract.

• Indications for use: flatulence and associated symptoms, diseases of the digestive system, postoperative period and preparation for diagnostic procedures.
• Method of administration: the medicine is approved for use in children over 28 days of age. The dosage for patients from 28 days to 2 years is 8 drops 3-4 times a day. For children from 2 to 6 years old, 14 drops, and for patients over 6 years old and adults, 16 drops at a time 4 times a day.
• Side effects: allergic reactions. No cases of overdose have been recorded.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, impaired peristalsis and intestinal patency, patients under 28 years of age. It is prescribed with special caution during pregnancy and lactation.

Bobotik is produced in the form of an emulsion in a bottle with a dispenser, 30 ml of medication in each.

4. Kuplaton

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

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

Kuplaton is available in bottles of 30 ml each.

5. Infacol

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

• Indications for use: the medicine is used in pediatric practice for infants. Eliminates spasms of smooth muscles of the intestine and colic.
• Directions for use: the suspension is taken orally undiluted. Newborns are prescribed 0.5 ml of the drug. The product 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, urticaria and itching. No cases of overdose have been recorded.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Not used to treat adult and elderly patients.

Infacol is available as an oral suspension in 50, 75 and 100 ml bottles.

6. Sub Simplex

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

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

Sab Simplex is available as a suspension for oral use. Each bottle contains 30 ml of the active substance.

7. Iberogast

A complex medicinal product with herbal composition. It has a tonic effect on the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes the tone of the smooth muscles of the digestive organs, but does not affect peristalsis.

• Indications for use: disorders of peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, stomach spasms of various etiologies, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorders with hiccups, heartburn and belching. An adjuvant in the complex treatment of ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum.
• Directions for use: children under 3 months 6 drops, from 3 months to 3 years 8 drops, from 3 to 6 years 10 drops, for children 6-12 years 15 drops and for adult patients 20 drops. The medicine is diluted with warm water or other liquid.
• Side effects: allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, bowel disorders. Cases of overdose have not been described.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the medication. Use during pregnancy is possible only with appropriate medical permission.

Iberogast is available as oral drops in 20, 50 and 100 ml bottles.

8. Colicid

A medicine that eliminates gas bubbles in the intestines of patients with flatulence. Contains an active component with a surface-active effect. Relieves pain during flatulence. Can be used in diagnostic procedures.

• Indications for use: symptomatic therapy of patients with gastrointestinal diseases and excessive gas formation in the intestines. Effective in cases of poisoning with detergents and other chemicals.
• Directions for use: To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, the drug should be taken during 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 over 6 years old, 1-2 ml of the drug 3 times a day.
• Side effects: skin allergic reactions. No cases of overdose have been recorded.
• Contraindications: intolerance to components, intestinal obstruction, obstructive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Use of the drug during pregnancy and lactation is possible only with appropriate medical permission.

Colikid is available in the form of a suspension of 30 and 60 ml, as well as in the form of tablets.

Before using medications to treat newborns, you should consult a pediatrician. It is contraindicated to give your baby any medications on your own, as there is a risk of developing serious side effects.

Folk remedies

To eliminate hiccups in a newborn, some parents decide to use folk remedies. The following methods are considered especially popular and effective:

• Take equal parts dill and anise. Grind the ingredients and pour a glass of boiling water over them. As soon as the infusion cools down, strain it and give the baby a couple of sips.
• Pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of grey hiccup grass and let it brew until it cools. Give your child 1-2 tablespoons.
• Pour boiling water over a couple of mint and lemon balm leaves. After cooling, give the soothing drink to the baby.

This therapy can be dangerous for the baby, as there is a risk of hypersensitivity reactions to herbal components, so before using it, you should consult a pediatrician. Also give the child some water to drink, try to calm the baby down and breathe in slowly.

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Herbal treatment

Another method of combating hiccups in babies is herbal treatment. The following recipes are most often used:

• Mix equal parts peppermint and chamomile, pour boiling water over it and let it brew. Give your child ¼ cup of the resulting drink.
• An effective remedy for 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. For frequent diaphragm spasms, give the baby 2 drops of the medicine.
• Take a tablespoon of dill seeds and pour a glass of boiling water over them. The remedy should be infused until it cools down. After that, it should be filtered and given to the child 1 teaspoon a couple of times a day.
• Grind a couple of bay leaves and pour boiling water over them. As soon as the infusion cools down, give a couple of drops to the newborn.

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

Homeopathy

Long bouts of hiccups cause a lot of discomfort to the newborn and worry the parents. Homeopathy is a rather controversial method of treatment, before using which you should consult with a pediatrician.

Most often, the following medications are used to relax spasmodic diaphragm muscles:

• Magnesia phosphorica 6X – relieves irritation, digestive disorders, hiccups.
• Acidum sulfuricum – hiccups with convulsions.
• Gelsemium – the disorder occurs in the evening, there are severe headaches and deterioration of general well-being.
• Hyoscуamus – attacks occur after eating and are accompanied by spasms in the abdominal area.
• Natrium muriaticum – severe hiccups, not dependent on food intake or time of day.

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

Prevention

There are several simple recommendations to prevent hiccups. Prevention of this phenomenon in newborns consists of:

• The baby should be fed not by the clock, but on demand. Thanks to this, the child will not greedily absorb food. At the same time, time intervals should be gradually increased, and the amount of food consumed should be reduced.
• Before giving your baby milk, express it, especially if you have a large let-down. Hindmilk is more filling for your baby.
• Make sure that the baby latches on not only the nipple, but also the areola. If the baby is bottle-fed, hold the bottle so that the nipple is completely filled with formula. This will prevent air from being swallowed. Pay attention to the sounds made during the process.
• Do not give the baby a breast/bottle if he is capricious. First calm the baby down and only then start feeding him.
• During lactation, the mother is recommended to follow a gentle diet, especially in the first few months after birth. You should avoid foods that cause gas formation. If the child is bottle-fed, then when choosing a milk formula, you should consult a pediatrician. The size of the nipple should be small so that the baby sucks the formula himself.
• Since hiccups can occur due to hypothermia, it is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature for the newborn. Constantly monitor the temperature in the house.
• After feeding, hold the baby upright, that is, in a vertical position, gently patting his back to release air and encourage burping.

In addition to the above recommendations, many doctors advise to put the baby on his tummy 5-10 minutes before feeding. This will allow the accumulated gases to come out. And after the baby has eaten, he should not be put on his back for at least 20 minutes.

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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 the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. Convulsive contractions of the diaphragm pass on their own, as the baby grows up. The task of parents is to minimize the child's swallowing of air during feeding. But if hiccups are accompanied by additional pathological symptoms, then the baby should be shown to a pediatrician.