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How do hiccups affect the infant brain?

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How do hiccups affect the infant brain?

PantherMedia

Baby

Hiccups are a natural physiological mechanism of the human body and are not indicative of existing pathologies. Especially among children, it is a frequently observed phenomenon. According to research, it can lead to the development of brain connections in the newborn and contribute to learning to regulate the respiratory system.

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Skewering is a natural, reflex physiological activity, caused by a number of factors, consisting of a rapid (myoclonic) contraction of the diaphragm and inspiratory muscles with almost simultaneous closure of the glottis. A hiccup is accompanied by a very distinctive sound, which is the result of the vocal cords shortening as the glottis closes. A hiccup is a repetitive hiccuping that can vary in frequency from 2 to 60 hiccups per minute and usually lasts for more than a few minutes [1].

In human fetal life, hiccups occur earlier than respiratory movements, which is associated with the timing of myelination of the phrenic nerves [1].

Hiccups in the child

It is important to note that hiccups are a natural physiological phenomenon and are not a pathological symptom. It is a common phenomenon in children, especially in infants, as they hiccup quite regularly, especially after feeding or after the body has cooled down (e.g. while undressing the child) [2].

What do hiccups teach the child's brain?

Following the conclusions of scientists, it can be assumed that hiccups are a phenomenon that triggers a wave of signals, through which the child can learn to regulate its breathing [3].

According to studies carried out using EEG, hiccups triggered impulses that resulted in a distinct response from the cortex of the brain. Researchers emphasise that multisensory sensations (diaphragm contraction when hiccuping, the sound of hiccuping and the response of the brain) contribute greatly to the development of brain connections. To date, the mechanisms causing hiccups are not fully known, but it is presumed that their existence is dictated by developmental causes [3].

Premature babies

Prematurely born babies are the group in whom hiccups are noticed most frequently (approximately 15 minutes per day). Researchers' suppositions go in a developmental direction - the activity that hiccups generate may be aimed at learning to regulate their respiratory muscles and diaphragm movements in the child [3].