Hiccups in Kids: Causes and remedies

Parenting is a challenging task! As a parent, the individual has to take care of thousands of things that can be a potential danger to the kid. But seldom times the protective atmosphere becomes semi-permeable to some natural bodily irritants, one of which is hiccups!

What are hiccups?

Hiccups are a common phenomenon that can occur to any age group: be it a small kid or a 90-year-old. It’s usually not a major issue and is a very normal biological phenomenon. But if they continue for a considerable period of time rather than being a guest for a few minutes, then they can be a matter of concern.

Did You Know? 

A fetus in a uterus can also have hiccups!

Some causes of hiccups in your child

Well, adults sure can handle their hiccups more easily but when it happens to a toddler it can brew worries in the parents as well. To take care of this problem in your kids, we have a few suggestions later in this article but first, let's check out some of the causes of hiccups in kids!

• Overeating 
  
  
   
• Swallowing too much air
  
  
   
• Change of air temperature
• Excitement or sudden emotional stress. For example, when your child gets an unexpected gift which he wanted badly Or has been scolded by an elder.
• Consumption of very hot or very cold food
• Eating spicy food
• Drinking soda drinks
   

You might also like: How to Help a Choking Infant or Toddler?
 

Some easy remedies to stop hiccups!

Here are some quick and safe natural remedies which you can use to eliminate hiccups in your child.

• Make use of Chamomile or peppermint tea. Take a dropper to pour a few drops into your toddler’s or kid’s mouth. 
• Gently press on your child’s upper stomach area whilst the hiccups occur.
  
  
  Also read: 5 Health Benefits of Beetroot for children
   
• Try to distract your kid by tickling or some other activity. Taking the mind away from the hiccups can cause them to stop.
• Make them eat a teaspoonful of sugar.
• Try to make them drink a glass of cold water.
• Hold their breath and count to 10.
• Make them sit and hug their knees for 2 minutes.
• Make them gargle ice water.
• Suck them a lemon slice, it really helps.

• Tap or rub behind their neck.
  
   
• And most important don't panic or let them panic.
   

Check out: Harmful Effects Of Using A Pacifier
 

When do you need to go to the doctor?

If the hiccups don’t go away in 2 or 3 hours or are interfering with your child’s daily life functioning, you should immediately go to the doctor for better medical treatment. Meanwhile please don’t stress in front of your child or it may cause hiccups to stay a little longer.

Hiccups are natural and harmless bodily functions. One need not be stressed about it. Try some natural remedies first, and even if it doesn’t go away go to your family doctor, he would provide you with some medications that would definitely eliminate the problem. Hope you like the article! Thanks for your precious time.