Four Year Old Daughter

Hello.  Our four year old daughter seems to develop the hiccups on a daily basis, it occurs at any time - either with or without eating and goes away quickly.  Her pediatrician doesn't seem concerned and says it's possible she has a mild case of GERD as she on rare ocassions does regurgitate some of her food.  The only other issue is that she still wets her bed overnight, pediatrician says it isn't a problem, she'll eventually get it under control.  

My questions are: Are hiccups associated with any serious prognosis?  Someone mentioned kidney problems?  She has gained weight well.  She was born with a small PDA that closed sponteneously.  She does visit her pediatrician on a regular basis and he doesn't seem concerned.
Thank you for your advice.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not aware of hiccups being related to kidney disease.  Irritation to the nerves innervating the diaphragm can lead to hiccups.  Things like reflux or a hiatal hernia would be examples of diseases that can cause this.

You may want to consider an upper GI series to evaluate for these possibilities.  If non-revealing, you can consider ENT causes such as pharyngitis or a laryngitis which can also cause nerve irritation.

These options can be discussed with your pediatrician.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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