The sight of an infant struggling with a persistent bout of hiccups often prompts parents to seek immediate relief. Many turn to simethicone gas drops, a popular over-the-counter remedy marketed for general infant tummy discomfort, such as Mylicon or Little Remedies. This medication is widely used to address issues believed to be caused by trapped air or gas. The question for many parents is whether this common digestive aid can effectively treat the distinct, involuntary spasms known as hiccups. Understanding the different mechanisms at play is necessary to determine if this remedy is appropriate.
Understanding Infant Hiccups
Hiccups are rooted in the body’s respiratory system, not the digestive tract. They are caused by an involuntary, sudden spasm of the diaphragm, the muscle located just beneath the rib cage. When this muscle contracts sharply, it causes a rapid intake of breath that is abruptly stopped by the quick closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound. In infants, these spasms are often triggered by eating too quickly, overfeeding, or swallowing air during a feed. When the stomach expands, it presses against the diaphragm, which can irritate the muscle and initiate the hiccup reflex.
How Simethicone Gas Drops Function
The active ingredient in most infant gas drops is simethicone, an anti-foaming agent. Simethicone works by a purely physical mechanism within the gastrointestinal tract and is not absorbed into the baby’s bloodstream, contributing to its favorable safety profile. The substance decreases the surface tension of small gas bubbles trapped in the stomach and intestines. This causes the tiny bubbles to coalesce and merge into larger pockets of air. These larger pockets are then easier for the infant to expel naturally, either through burping or as flatulence.
The Direct Answer and Practical Solutions
Simethicone gas drops are ineffective for directly treating or stopping an active hiccup bout. Hiccups are a neuromuscular event involving the diaphragm, while simethicone’s action is limited to physically breaking up gas bubbles within the gut. Since the medication does not relax the diaphragm muscle, it does not address the root cause of the hiccup spasm. Studies examining simethicone for general infant distress, such as colic, have suggested it is no more effective than a placebo. Although the drops may not stop the hiccups, they are safe to use and can provide relief if the infant is also experiencing discomfort from trapped gas.
Focusing on non-medication strategies is the most recommended approach. If a hiccup bout begins during feeding, taking a break to burp the baby can help release any swallowed air pressing on the diaphragm. Allowing the infant to suck on a pacifier can also be effective, as the rhythmic sucking motion may help relax the diaphragm muscle. For prevention, try to feed the baby in a more upright position to minimize the amount of air swallowed during the process. In most cases, infant hiccups are brief, harmless, and resolve on their own, typically within five to ten minutes.