Question
What causes a child’s hiccup?
Answer
The diaphragm is a thin muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. It is also a respiratory muscle for babies. When the diaphragm contracts, it expands the chest cavity, causing inhalation; when it relaxes, the chest cavity’s volume decreases, leading to exhalation. Inhaling cold air, drinking milk too quickly, or consuming hot food can stimulate the autonomic nervous system, causing the diaphragm to contract rhythmically. This leads to rapid inhalation and the sound of a ‘hiccup,’ which is what we refer to as a baby’s hiccup.