Hiccups:Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
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.
Types of Hiccups
- Acute Hiccups: Short-term hiccups lasting for a few minutes to hours, usually due to eating too fast, drinking fizzy drinks, or stress. Harmless and go away on their own.
- Persistent Hiccups: Hiccups that last more than 48 hours but less than a month, often caused by acidity (GERD), diaphragm irritation, or nerve problems. Need medical advice.
- Intractable Hiccups: Very rare, lasting over a month, linked to serious issues like brain injury, stroke, or diabetes. Requires proper medical treatment.
- Singultus from Specific Triggers: Caused by things like spicy food, alcohol, smoking, or laughing too much. Stop when you avoid the triggers.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses 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:
Nerve 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:
- Repetitive "Hic" Sound: A characteristic involuntary sound caused by diaphragm contractions.
- Rhythmic Spasms: Sudden, repetitive jerks or contractions of the diaphragm.
- Mild Chest or Throat Discomfort: A sensation of tightness or irritation accompanying hiccups.
- Interrupted Speech: Difficulty speaking due to the involuntary nature of hiccups.
- Occasional Fatigue: Persistent hiccups may cause tiredness or discomfort.
Hiccups are generally harmless but can be bothersome if prolonged. Persistent hiccups lasting over 48 hours may indicate an underlying issue and require medical attention.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if your hiccups linger more than 48 hours or cause difficulty eating, sleeping, Neurological Symptoms, or breathing.
Hiccups 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. Medicine for hiccups can be prescribed in cases of persistent or severe symptoms to help stop the spasms.
It's important to note that hiccups and hookups are different, as they refer to social or romantic encounters. Understanding the causes and symptoms of hiccupscan help manage this common condition effectively.
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Book an AppointmentRisk Factors for Hiccups
- Eating Habits: Eating too quickly, overeating, or consuming spicy or hot foods.
- Beverages: Drinking carbonated drinks or alcohol, especially beer.
- Temperature Changes: Sudden shifts, such as drinking hot tea after cold water.
- Emotional Factors: Stress, excitement, or anxiety.
- Medical Conditions: GERD, diaphragm irritation, stroke, brain injury, or infections.
- Medications: Drugs like steroids, anesthetics, or sedatives.
- Lifestyle: Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Surgical Procedures: Hiccups can occur post-surgery, especially after anesthesia.
Home Remedies for Hiccups
- Hold Breath: Inhale, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly.
- Drink Water: Sip cold water or drink a glass quickly.
- Swallow Sugar: Let a spoonful of sugar dissolve in your mouth.
- Bite Lemon: Suck on a lemon or bite a wedge.
- Gargle Cold Water: Stimulates the vagus nerve.
- Breathe Into a Bag: Inhale and exhale into a paper bag.
- Knees to Chest: Pull your knees to your chest for a minute.
These simple techniques can help stop hiccups quickly
