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Everyone has hiccups, but what are they? Hiccups, medically known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter or singultus are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. Each contraction has a sudden closure of your vocal cords, which produces the “hic” sound. Rarely, hiccups can last for months, which results in weight loss and exhaustion.
Hiccups are a symptom and if your hiccups last for more than 48 hours or are severe enough to cause problems with eating, breathing, or sleeping, you should contact a doctor. Causes of hiccups are
Drinking carbonated beverages Drinking too much alcohol Eating to much in one sittingExcitement or emotional stressSudden temperature changesSwallowing airChewing gum
Long-Term Hiccups
Long-term hiccups can cause damage or irritation to the vagus nerves or phrenic nerves which serve the diaphragmic muscle. Long-term hiccups can be triggered by
AnesthesiaDiabetesSteroidsKidney DiseaseTranquilizersAlcoholismBarbiturates
Men are much more likely to develop long-term hiccups than women.
How to Stop a Hiccup
To stop or prevent a hiccup
Breathe into a paper bagPull your knees up to your chest and lean forwardDrink ice-cold waterSwallow granulated sugarBite on a lemonHold your breathe for a few secondsDrink water upside down