Why Don't We Get the Hiccups as Often as We Get Older?

Hiccups are caused by a sudden contraction of the diaphragm. No one is certain off all the reasons for this, but there are multiple theories, several of which could explain why young children and babies are more likely to hiccup.

Gastric Distention

• Eating too much, which in turn irritates the diaphragm, is a common cause of hiccups. The small size of children's stomachs makes this likely. This is especially true of babies, who often swallow air as they suck.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

• Stomach contents leaking back up into the esophagus can excite hiccups by irritating the vagus and phrenic nerves which control the diaphragm. It is no surprise this would especially effect young children, considering that they spit up and vomit with greater ease and frequency than adults.

Temperature Changes

• Sudden temperature changes are another cause of hiccups. The small size of children's bodies leaves them more sensitive to this sort of change in their environment.