Hiccups : All You Need To Know
Hiccups are frequent spasms or uncontrollable movements of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that divides the chest and stomach areas and is essential for breathing. A diaphragmatic spasm causes the vocal cords to close abruptly, generating the "hic" sound.
Causes of Hiccups
The most prevalent triggers for hiccups lasting less than 48 hours are:
- Consuming carbonated beverages.
- Drinking too much liquor.
- Overeating.
- Mental stress and anxiety.
- Sudden temperature changes.
- Swallowing air (e.g., chewing gum or smoking).
Hiccups that last more than 48 hours may be due to:
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Get A Second OpinionNerve Damage or Irritation
Long-term hiccups can be caused by injury or irritation to the vagus or phrenic nerves that feed the diaphragm muscle. Factors that may harm or irritate these nerves include:
- Something in your ear, such as a hair, is contacting your eardrum.
- A tumour, cyst, or growth on the thyroid gland in the neck.
- Stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus.
- Sore throat or laryngitis.
Central Nervous System Disorders
A tumour or infection in the central nervous system, as well as damage to the central nervous system from an accident, can disrupt the body's normal control of the hiccup reflex.
- Encephalitis.
- Meningitis.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Stroke.
- Serious brain injury.
- Tumors.
Metabolic Issues
Long-term hiccups may result from your body's metabolism not working properly, such as in:
- Diabetes.
- Electrolyte imbalance.
- Kidney disease.
Certain Drugs and Alcohol Issues
Long-term hiccups may be caused by certain drugs or alcohol problems, such as:
- Sedatives or other drugs used for anesthesia.
- Dexamethasone, used to relieve inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and kidney problems.
- Other steroids.
- Alcohol use disorder.
Symptoms of Hiccups
The symptoms of hiccups include:
- A sudden contraction or spasm of the diaphragm right under the breastbone.
- Involuntary sucking of air into the throat.
- A 'hic' sound made by the closing epiglottis.
- Hiccups usually stop after a few minutes.
- A slight tightening sensation in the chest, stomach area, or throat.
- Hiccups that persist may cause exhaustion and weight loss from lack of sleep and interruption of normal eating patterns.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if your hiccups linger more than 48 hours or cause difficulty eating, sleeping, or breathing.
Treatment
There are several home remedies you can try to stop hiccups, including:
- Briefly holding your breath.
- Sipping cold water.
- Pressing on your eyes.
- Pulling on your tongue.
- Biting into a lemon.
- Breathing into a paper bag (not plastic).
- Swallowing a spoonful of sugar.
- Drinking or gargling ice water.
Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, often triggered by factors like overeating or stress. While usually harmless, persistent hiccups may indicate an underlying problem. Treatments range from home remedies to medications, depending on the severity. Understanding the causes and symptoms can help manage this common condition effectively.
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