Hiccups are caused by the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, which causes a sudden intake of air and a spasmodic closing of the vocal cords. Common causes include drinking soda or alcohol, eating or drinking too much or too fast, and being nervous or excited. Home remedies include sipping ice water, holding your breath, or breathing into a paper bag. Prolonged hiccups may require prescription drugs. Certain medical conditions and prescription drugs can also cause hiccups.
A hiccup, or hiccup, begins with an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, which is the muscle in the lower chest, and this in turn causes a sharp inhalation of air and a spasmodic closing of the vocal cords, also called the glottis, in the throat . The characteristic “hiccup” sound is caused by the sudden intake of air hitting the closed glottis, and this involuntary action then repeats itself several times a minute. Common causes of hiccups include drinking soda or alcohol, laughing a lot, eating or drinking too much or too fast, swallowing hot or irritating substances, and being nervous or excited. Hiccups can also be caused by certain medications or medical conditions. Hiccups usually stop on their own after a few minutes, but medication may be needed in rare cases.
The diaphragm is a muscle that helps with breathing, pulling itself down as you inhale to help pull air into your lungs and pushing up as you exhale to help push air out. An irritated diaphragm can contract spasmodically, causing a hiccup. A similar involuntary contraction of the diaphragm can occur when you get hit in the abdomen, sometimes called “dropping the wind off you.” Like a hiccup, a cough also involves a sudden rush of air that hits the glottis, and a sneeze is another example of an involuntary physical action commonly caused by irritation.
The word “hiccup” has been used for centuries, and is an example of onomatopoeia, that is, a word that imitates a natural sound. Other examples of onomatopoeia are the words oink and splash. The medical terms for a hiccup are singultus and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF).
Popular home remedies for getting rid of hiccups often involve changing your breathing pattern or drinking water. These home remedies include sipping ice water, holding your breath, or breathing into a paper bag. Other folk remedies are swallowing granulated sugar, biting into a lemon, or pulling your knees up to your chest. Very rarely does a hiccup last more than a few minutes. For prolonged hiccups, some prescription drugs may be used, for example haloperidol, metoclopramide and chlorpromazine.
Certain medical conditions, including electrolyte imbalances and high blood sugar, as well as various nervous system disorders and stomach problems, can lead to prolonged or chronic hiccups. Other medical conditions such as pneumonia, uremia, and alcoholism can also cause hiccups. Hiccups can also be a side effect of some prescription drugs, including Valium and Xanax.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
