Hiccups
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, a muscle that plays a critical role in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts unexpectedly, it causes a sudden closure of the glottis, which leads to the characteristic sound of hiccups. Common triggers for hiccups include overeating, consuming spicy or rich foods, and drinking carbonated beverages. Although hiccups are usually brief and self-limiting, chronic hiccups lasting more than twenty-four hours are rare and can indicate underlying health issues that may require medical attention.
Hiccups can affect individuals of any age, with pregnant women sometimes reporting that their fetuses experience hiccups in utero. While hiccups typically resolve on their own, various home remedies exist, such as holding one's breath, drinking water, or using specific breathing techniques. For infants, some parents find that a small amount of sugar dissolved in water can help alleviate hiccups. Overall, while generally harmless, persistent hiccups warrant consultation with a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.
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Subject Terms
Hiccups
Also known as: Hiccoughs
Anatomy or system affected: Chest, lungs, muscles, respiratory system, throat
Definition: Involuntary, spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm and the simultaneous closure of the glottis.
Causes and Symptoms
A hiccup is caused by an involuntary, spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm. This is the large partition of muscles and tendons that separates the chest from the abdomen. The diaphragm draws air into the lungs through rhythmic contractions. When it contracts suddenly, an opening located toward the top of the trachea (windpipe) between the vocal cords in the larynx (voice box) called the glottis snaps shut abruptly. The combination of air being forced through the vocal cords in the larynx and the abrupt closure of the glottis causes the sound associated with hiccups.
There are a number of causes of hiccups, the most common being over-distension of the stomach. Other causes include gastric irritation from spicy or rich foods and nerve spasms. In addition, the ingestion of a large meal, alcohol, or carbonated drinks may induce hiccups. There are indications the central nervous system controls these actions by the body.
Hiccups generally last for a very short time, usually stopping within minutes. People who suffer from hiccups for more than twenty-four hours or who have repetitive attacks are said to suffer from chronic hiccups. This condition is very rare.
People of all ages can suffer from hiccups. Pregnant women report that fetuses sometimes have hiccups in the womb.
Treatment and Therapy
An attack of hiccups is not serious and is generally self-limiting. A number of techniques to make them stop are commonly practiced, including holding one’s breath, drinking a glass of water, sucking on a lemon, or breathing deeply. Other remedies can include holding one’s knees and performing the Valsalva maneuver. This is to hold one’s nose and then to exhale with a closed mouth. A doctor should be consulted if hiccups persist for more than 48 hours. These can be an indication of a stroke, multiple sclerosis or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Babies often suffer from hiccups, particularly during nursing. Some mothers report that feeding the baby a quarter of a teaspoon of sugar mixed in 4 ounces of water calms the hiccups. Doctors suggest that hiccup-prone babies be fed before they are overly hungry and when they are calm.
Bibliography
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