Hypo in newborns: causes, treatment and prevention

The hypo is frequent in newborns and can often worry the firs t-time parents. These involuntary diaphragm contractions can be alarming, but they are generally harmless and tend to be resolved by themselves. However, knowing the causes, treatment options and preventive measures can help relieve any anxiety and guarantee the wel l-being of your child.

Causes:

1. The food: the hypo in the newborns usually occurs during or after the shots. This is mainly due to excessive air intake during breastfeeding or bottle. When baby swallows air along with milk, this can irritate the diaphragm and cause hypo.

2. Imaduro nervous system: newborns have a developing nervous system, which can sometimes trigger hypo. The nerves that control the diaphragm and its rhythmic contractions may not yet be fully developed, which makes them more prone to hypo.

3. Temperature changes: sudden temperature changes, such as moving from a warm to a cooler environment, can stimulate the baby’s diaphragm and cause hypo.

4. Gastroesophageal reflux: In some cases, the hypo may be associated with gastroesophageal reflux, a frequent condition in which stomach acid returns to the esophagus. This irritation can activate the diaphragm and cause hypo.

Remember that hiccups are usually normal in newborns and is not a cause for concern. It usually disappears in a few minutes or can last up to 15 minutes. However, if the hypo persists for a longer time, it occurs frequently throughout the day or is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or poor feeding, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate it and eastern.

Hiccups in Newborn: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causes

The cause of hiccups in newborns is not known exactly. However, there are several factors that can contribute to their appearance. Some frequent causes are

• Eating air during feeding: air ingestion during breastfeeding or bottle can irritate the diaphragm and cause hypo.
• Supercharging: feeding a newborn too much or too quickly can cause hypo, since the stomach expands and presses against the diaphragm.
• Immature nervous system: Newborns have developing nervous systems, and hiccups can result from the immaturity of the neurological pathways that control the diaphragm.
• Gastroesophageal reflux (GER): GER occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups.

Symptoms

Hiccups in newborns are usually accompanied by certain symptoms, which may include:

1. Repetitive contractions of the diaphragm that produce a characteristic “hic” sound.
2. Brief pauses in breathing during hiccups.
3. Jerky movements or small jerks.
4. Occasional cough or regurgitation during or after hiccups.

Treatment

Most cases of hiccups in newborns resolve on their own without any specific treatment. However, if a newborn’s hiccups are persistent and bothersome, there are some techniques that can help relieve them:

1. Change feeding habits: Burping your baby more frequently during feedings can help reduce the chances of swallowing air and subsequently developing hiccups.
2. Offer a pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can help calm the diaphragm and may stop hiccups.
3. Gently massage the baby’s back: Applying gentle pressure or lightly rubbing the baby’s back can relieve hiccups.
4. Avoid overstimulation: Creating a calm environment for the baby during and after feedings can help prevent hiccups triggered by increased sensory stimulation.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if hiccups persist for a prolonged period, are accompanied by other worrying symptoms, or interfere with the baby’s feeding or sleeping patterns.

What Causes Hiccups in Newborns?

A possible cause of hiccups in newborns is the immaturity of their nervous system. The diaphragm muscle receives signals from the phrenic nerves, which control its contractions. In newborns, these nerves may still be developing, causing occasional spasms of the diaphragm and leading to hiccups. Another factor that can trigger hiccups in newborns is diet. When babies breastfeed or bottle-feed, they may swallow air along with milk, causing their stomach to distend. The distended stomach can put pressure on the diaphragm and cause hiccups.

Important information:

• Hiccups in newborns are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle.
• Immaturity of the nervous system and swallowing of air during feeding are two possible contributing factors.

Although the hypo in newborns is usually harmless and is resolved by itself, there are some methods that parents can try to reduce their duration or intensity. Making the baby frequently during the shot can help release the swallowed air, reliefing the pressure on the diaphragm. Changing the position in which the baby is fed, for example, keeping it vertically, you can also prevent it from swallowing air. In addition, caressing or rubbing gently the baby’s back can stimulate the phrenic nerves and help relieve the hypo. It is important to remember that hiccups in newborns is a normal part of its development and does not usually require medical care unless persisting during a prolonged period or interferes significantly with food or sleep.

Additional Information:

1. Making the baby erets during the shot can help relieve the hypo.
2. The hypo can also be relieved by changing the posture baby and giving soft palmaditas on the back.
3. The persistent hypo or the one that interferes with food or sleep may require medical care.

Common Symptoms of Hiccups in Newborns

1. Repetitive and rhythmic contractions: Hicc as newborns is characterized by repeated and rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm muscle. These contractions cause sudden and involuntary breaths that give rise to the classic sound of the hypo. Although the hypo can scare parents, it is part of the normal development of the newborn and usually disappears on its own.

Tip: newborns can have hypo frequently throughout the day, sometimes even several times a day. It is important to keep in mind that the frequency and duration of the hypo can vary from one baby to another, and normally decrease as the baby grows.

2. Short duration: unlike hypo in adults, which can last minutes or even hours, the hypo in newborns is usually short. They usually disappear in a few minutes and the baby continues with their normal activities without interruption. However, if the hypo persists for a prolonged period or seems to distress the baby, it is advisable to consult the pediatrician to rule out any underlying health problem.

1. Associated movements: During the hiccups, babies can show certain associated movements. These movements may include brief breathing pauses, spasmodic movements or minor shaking, or a slight tension of abdominal muscles. These associated movements are usually normal in the HIP and do not require any specific intervention.
2. Food interruptions: the hypo in newborns can occur during or after the feed sessions, which causes small interruptions in its feeding routine. Some babies can pause, restlessly worry or suffer a brief delay while they have hypo. However, the hypo should not cause significant difficulties to feed or anguish. If food problems persist or get worse, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate it and eastern.

When Should You Be Concerned about Hiccups in Your Newborn?

1. Duration and frequency: Although the occasional shor t-term hypo is normal in newborns, the frequent and prolonged hypo may require attention. If the newborn hypo lasts longer or occurs frequently throughout the day, it can be a sign of an underlying problem that requires medical evaluation.

Important note: the hiccup that lasts a few minutes or even up to an hour is not usually a reason for concern, especially if it is resolved on its own. However, if the hypo persists for several hours or occurs several times a day, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

2. Difficulty feeding: If your newborn experiences hypo during eating time and interferes with its ability to suck and swallow, it could be an alarm signal. The hypo that interrupts food and causes the baby to the baby may indicate an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux or an immature digestive system.

3. MAKE OR IRRITABILITY: Although the hicc as it can only cause significant discomfort to newborns, if your baby seems to feel pain, it is irritable or experiences excessive crying together with the hypo, it can be a reason for concern. These symptoms could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires the attention of a healthcare professional.

Advice of an expert: if your newborn seems inconsolable, it shows signs of anguish or discomfort and the hypo is only one of the symptoms, it is essential to look for medical advice to determine the underlying cause and provide adequate treatment.

Observing these factors can help parents identify when their newborn’s hypo may require medical care. Although the hypo is usually harmless and is a common part of the baby’s development, it is always better to sin candidates and consult a healthcare professional if any doubt arises.

Tips for Preventing and Relieving Hiccups in Newborns

1. Position:

• Place the baby vertical during the shots. This can help prevent hypo by reducing the amount of air that the baby swallows while feeding.
• After eating, keep the baby vertical for at least 15-30 minutes to allow adequate digestion and minimize the possibilities of hypo.
• In addition, making the baby to erets gently after each shot can help release the air trapped in the stomach, reducing the probability of hypo.

IMPORTANT: It is important to hold the baby well and hold your head and neck while erruption to avoid any discomfort or injury.

2. Power techniques:

1. Make sure that the baby is well grabbed and that he takes the chest or bottle in a quiet and relaxed way.
2. If you use a bottle, check the flow of the tetine. A slow flow tetina can be useful, since it allows the baby to swallow less air during the shot.

3. Use of the pacifier:

Sometimes, offering a pacifier to a baby can help relieve the hypo. Suction action can help regulate your breathing and interrupt the hiccup reflection.

Note: See your pediatrician before introducing a pacifier to your newborn.

Following these tips, parents can take proactive measures to prevent and relieve hypo in newborns. Remember that, if the hip persists or is accompanied by other symptoms of discomfort, it is advisable to contact a healthcare professional for a more thorough evaluation.

Natural Remedies to Soothe Hiccups in Newborns

1. Eructar: Eructar is a simple and effective way to relieve hypo in newborns. Gently place the baby against the caregiver’s shoulder and stroke or rub his back helps to release the air trapped in the baby’s belly that may be causing the hypo. Promoting the belching after each shot can also prevent the hypo.

Tip: It can be burned in different positions, such as sitting or lying on the caregiver of the caregiver. It is important to experience and find the posture that best suits the baby.

2. Chupete: Offering a pacifier to a newborn with hypo can help interrupt the hypo. Sucking a pacifier distracts the baby and can regulate its respiratory rhythm, which could solve the hypo. However, it is important to keep in mind that the introduction of a pacifier can interfere with breastfeeding too soon, so it is better to consult with a health professional before offering one.

3. Hot water sips: Giving the baby small sips of warm water can help relax its diaphragm, reducing the frequency and intensity of the hypo. It is essential to ensure that the water is temperate and not hot, and the food method must be carried out under the supervision of an adult to avoid attracting.

Note: It is important to emphasize that water with water should only be introduced if a healthcare professional is recommended or if the baby has at least six months.

Incorporating these natural remedies into the daily routine, parents can relieve the hypo and provide comfort to their newborns. However, if the hypo persists for a prolonged period, it becomes serious or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it is essential to go to the doctor to rule out any underlying medical condition or complication.

Medical Interventions for Persistent Hiccups in Newborns

Common medical interventions for persistent hypo in newborns:

1. Positioning and comfort measures: One of the initial steps to treat the persistent hypo is to place the newborn in a position that favors relaxation and minimizes discomfort. Playing the baby vertically or caresses your back gently can help relieve the hypo.
2. Power techniques: Adjusting feeding techniques can often contribute to reducing the hypo. Health professionals can recommend smaller and frequent shots to prevent the newborn from swallowing excess air, which can trigger the hypo.
3. Eructar: Make sure that the baby erruption correctly after each shot can help release the air trapped in its digestive system, thus reducing the frequency of the hypo.

Although these initial interventions are effective in most cases of persistent hypo in newborns, there are cases in which medical intervention may be necessary. It is important to note that the underlying cause of the hypo must be identified before proceeding to any other intervention, since the treatment can vary depending on the specific cause.

How Long Do Hiccups Usually Last in Newborns?

Understand the duration of hiccups in newborns:

• The duration of the hypo in newborns can vary from one child to another. In general, the hiccup is short and can last for a few minutes, but in some cases it can persist up to an hour.
• The hypo is produced due to the immaturity of the baby’s diaphragm and the nervous system that controls it. As the baby grows and develops, the hypic tends to occur less frequently and ends up disappearing completely.

It is important to note that the hiccups are not usually a reason for concern and does not require medical intervention, unless it interferes significantly in the baby’s food or dream, or if it persists for a prolonged period.

If your newborn experiences frequent and prolonged hypo, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying condition. However, in most cases, hiccups in newborns is considered a normal part of its development and will be resolved on its own.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont