Overview
Hiccup (singultus), in medicine refers to an automatic (“reflex”) contraction of the diaphragm, i.e. the most important respiratory muscle, resulting in a strong, short inhalation. This process is repeated periodically at short intervals. The inhalation noise, which occurs against tense and thus closed vocal cords, causes the “hiccup”, i.e. the characteristic hiccup sound.
What the hiccups are used for is still unknown today. As a rule, hiccups disappear on their own after a while. Babies can also get hiccups, even before birth.
In babies, hiccups can in some cases serve as a protective mechanism when drinking, so the phenomenon is normally not caused by an illness. In addition, hiccups occur more frequently in babies than in adults, especially in young infants. Even in babies, hiccups usually disappear on their own. In most cases, babies are not bothered by hiccups and can fall asleep peacefully even with hiccups.
Causes of hiccups in babies
Hiccups are more common in infants and babies than in adults. This is due to various reasons. Both the diaphragm and the nerves and parts of the brain that control breathing are not yet fully developed in babies.
In situations where the rhythm of breathing changes naturally, for example when falling asleep and waking up, this complex system can get a little confused, which then leads to hiccups. Even more important for the baby is the protective function of hiccups when drinking. Unlike adults and children, babies can drink and breathe at the same time.
This is due to the different proportions of the throat. There is an increased likelihood of babies swallowing. However, if hiccups occur at the same time, the air that is squeezed out and the compressed vocal chords protect the lungs from swallowing milk. Other causes of hiccups in babies can also be sudden changes in temperature or shock or surprise (e.g. by blowing on it).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis does not require complex equipment or a trained eye, since hiccups in babies are similar to those in adults. It is a sudden, jerky exhalation accompanied by the typical “hiccup” sound. This is accompanied by a cramping contraction of the baby’s chest and abdominal muscles.
