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Coughing and hiccups. The Mind-Body Connection: Understanding Coughing, Sneezing, and Hiccups in Traditional Chinese Medicine

How do emotions impact our physical health according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. What is the connection between grief and coughing. How do worry and stress manifest as sneezing and hiccups. Can unresolved emotions lead to recurring physical symptoms.

The Emotional Roots of Physical Symptoms in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between our emotions and physical health. This ancient healing system posits that uncontrolled and extreme emotions can become significant internal causes of disease. When our feelings overwhelm us to the point of becoming unmanageable, various health issues may arise. Understanding this connection can provide valuable insights into the origins of common physical symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and hiccups.

Grief and Its Impact on Lung Health

In TCM, the lungs play a crucial role in our respiratory system and emotional well-being. They are responsible for drawing in fresh air and expelling carbon dioxide, symbolizing the cycle of life – bringing in the new and letting go of the old. But how does grief affect our lung health?

  • Unresolved grief can weaken lung Qi (vital energy)
  • Weakened lung Qi may lead to persistent coughing
  • Recurring coughs often indicate unprocessed sadness or loss

Grief is an emotion we all experience at some point in our lives, whether it’s due to the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one. When these feelings of loss remain unresolved, they can manifest physically as a weakening of the lung Qi. This energetic imbalance may result in chronic coughing, serving as a physical reminder of our emotional state.

Identifying Grief-Related Coughing

How can you tell if your cough is related to unresolved grief? Consider these factors:

  1. The cough persists even after treating potential physical causes
  2. You’ve experienced a significant loss or emotional upheaval recently
  3. The cough tends to worsen when you think about your loss
  4. Traditional treatments seem less effective than expected

By recognizing the potential emotional root of chronic coughing, individuals can explore holistic approaches to healing that address both the physical symptoms and the underlying emotional distress.

The Nose-Lung Connection: Sneezing as a Sign of Emotional Imbalance

In TCM, the nose and lungs are considered part of the same system. This connection explains why emotions affecting lung Qi can also manifest as nasal issues. Sneezing, in particular, can be indicative of certain emotional states.

Worry and Its Effect on Nasal Health

Excessive worry can have a profound impact on our digestive system, particularly the spleen and stomach. But how does this relate to sneezing?

  • Worry can disrupt spleen and stomach function
  • This disruption affects the nasal mucosa (mucous membranes)
  • Resulting symptoms include nasal obstruction, watery discharge, and sneezing
  • The sense of smell may also be affected

When worry becomes chronic, it can lead to a cascade of effects throughout the body. The disruption of proper spleen and stomach function can manifest in unexpected ways, including nasal symptoms that might otherwise be attributed solely to allergies or infections.

Long-Term Detachment and Recurrent Sneezing

Another emotional state that can lead to frequent sneezing is long-term detachment. This emotional disconnection can upset the lungs, resulting in:

  • Recurrent sneezing episodes
  • Increased susceptibility to colds
  • General weakening of the respiratory system

Understanding the link between emotional detachment and these physical symptoms can help individuals address the root cause of their recurring health issues, potentially leading to more effective and lasting relief.

Hiccups: A Physical Manifestation of Stress and Frustration

Hiccups, while often seen as a minor inconvenience, can be indicative of deeper emotional imbalances according to TCM. The liver plays a central role in this connection between stress and hiccups.

The Liver-Stress Connection

In TCM, the liver is closely associated with the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. When we experience stress, frustration, or anger, this flow can become disrupted. How does this disruption manifest physically?

  • Liver Qi stagnation leads to chest distension
  • The body may attempt to relieve this feeling through sighing
  • Discomfort is often felt below the ribcage, along the liver meridian
  • Hiccups can occur due to Qi becoming stuck in the diaphragm

This explains why periods of high stress or frustration may coincide with bouts of hiccups. The body is essentially trying to release the built-up tension through these involuntary contractions of the diaphragm.

Addressing Stress-Induced Hiccups

To alleviate hiccups caused by emotional stress, TCM practitioners might recommend:

  1. Stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
  2. Acupuncture or acupressure to promote smooth Qi flow
  3. Herbal remedies to support liver function and reduce stress
  4. Lifestyle changes to minimize sources of frustration and anger

By addressing the underlying emotional imbalance, individuals may find relief not only from hiccups but also from other stress-related symptoms.

The Rising Heat of Anger: Understanding Hot Flushes

Hot flushes are commonly associated with hormonal changes, particularly during menopause. However, TCM offers an additional perspective on this phenomenon, linking it to the emotion of anger.

The Liver’s Role in Temperature Regulation

In TCM, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. When anger or frustration disrupt this flow, it can lead to a series of physical symptoms. How does this relate to hot flushes?

  • Anger compromises liver Qi function
  • Blocked liver Qi causes energy (heat) to rise upward in the body
  • This upward flow disrupts the normal downward energy pattern
  • The result is a sudden feeling of heat, particularly in the upper body

This explanation offers insight into why some individuals may experience hot flushes during periods of high stress or anger, even outside of hormonal changes.

Managing Anger-Induced Hot Flushes

To address hot flushes related to anger and liver Qi stagnation, TCM practitioners might suggest:

  1. Anger management techniques
  2. Cooling foods and herbs to balance internal heat
  3. Qigong exercises to promote smooth Qi flow
  4. Acupuncture to balance liver function

By addressing both the emotional and energetic aspects of hot flushes, individuals may find more comprehensive relief from this uncomfortable symptom.

Holistic Approaches to Emotional and Physical Balance

Given the intricate connection between emotions and physical symptoms in TCM, addressing health concerns often requires a multifaceted approach. How can individuals incorporate these insights into their daily lives?

Emotional Awareness and Processing

Developing emotional intelligence and learning to process feelings healthily can have far-reaching effects on physical health. Consider these practices:

  • Regular journaling to track emotions and physical symptoms
  • Mindfulness meditation to increase awareness of emotional states
  • Seeking therapy or counseling to address unresolved grief or chronic stress
  • Practicing gratitude to shift focus from negative emotions

By actively engaging with their emotional landscape, individuals may prevent the build-up of unresolved feelings that can lead to physical symptoms.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Qi Balance

TCM emphasizes the importance of lifestyle in maintaining health. What daily practices can support emotional and physical balance?

  1. Regular exercise to promote Qi circulation
  2. Adequate sleep to allow for emotional processing and physical restoration
  3. A balanced diet that supports organ function according to TCM principles
  4. Stress-reduction techniques like tai chi or yoga
  5. Limiting exposure to environmental toxins that can disrupt Qi flow

By incorporating these practices, individuals can create a foundation for better emotional regulation and physical health.

Integrating TCM Insights with Modern Medicine

While TCM offers valuable perspectives on the mind-body connection, it’s essential to approach health holistically, integrating both traditional wisdom and modern medical knowledge. How can individuals balance these approaches?

Complementary Care Strategies

Consider these strategies for combining TCM insights with contemporary healthcare:

  • Consult with both TCM practitioners and Western medical doctors
  • Share information about all treatments with all healthcare providers
  • Use TCM as a complementary approach to, not a replacement for, necessary medical treatments
  • Monitor symptoms and share changes with all healthcare providers
  • Explore research on the efficacy of TCM approaches for specific conditions

By taking an integrative approach, individuals can benefit from the strengths of both traditional and modern medical systems, potentially achieving more comprehensive and effective care.

The Future of Mind-Body Medicine

As research in psychoneuroimmunology and other fields continues to unveil the complex interactions between our emotions, nervous system, and physical health, the insights of TCM are finding increasing validation in the scientific community. What might the future hold for this integration of ancient wisdom and modern science?

  • Increased research funding for studying TCM principles in clinical settings
  • Development of new diagnostic tools that consider both physical and emotional factors
  • Integration of TCM concepts into mainstream medical education
  • Personalized treatment plans that address both the mind and body holistically

As our understanding of the mind-body connection deepens, the potential for more effective, personalized, and holistic healthcare continues to grow. By remaining open to both traditional wisdom and scientific advancements, we can work towards a more comprehensive approach to health and well-being.

Hiccups, coughing and sneezing
– Your Tea UK

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the emotions are considered the major internal causes of disease.

When emotions become uncontrollable and extreme, to the point that they’re overwhelming, we see issues arise.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the emotions are considered the major internal causes of disease. When emotions become uncontrollable and extreme, to the point that they’re overwhelming, we see issues arise.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the emotions are considered the major internal causes of disease. When emotions become uncontrollable and extreme, to the point that they’re overwhelming, we see issues arise.

Coughing – Grief

Loss is something we all deal with in various ways or another, the end of a relationship or the death of a close family member or friend.

The lungs are responsible for drawing in clean, fresh air and expelling the breathing out of carbon dioxide. In with the new and letting go of the old, the cycle of life – and the lungs. When grief or sadness becomes unresolved, the lung Qi is weakened and coughing can occur. Consistent, recurring coughing is a sign of unresolved grief.

Coughing – Grief

Loss is something we all deal with in various ways or another, the end of a relationship or the death of a close family member or friend.

The lungs are responsible for drawing in clean, fresh air and expelling the breathing out of carbon dioxide. In with the new and letting go of the old, the cycle of life – and the lungs. When grief or sadness becomes unresolved, the lung Qi is weakened and coughing can occur. Consistent, recurring coughing is a sign of unresolved grief.

Coughing – Grief

Loss is something we all deal with in various ways or another, the end of a relationship or the death of a close family member or friend.

The lungs are responsible for drawing in clean, fresh air and expelling the breathing out of carbon dioxide. In with the new and letting go of the old, the cycle of life – and the lungs. When grief or sadness becomes unresolved, the lung Qi is weakened and coughing can occur. Consistent, recurring coughing is a sign of unresolved grief.

Sneezing – Worry & Grief 

The lungs and nose belong to same system, so naturally we can see that emotions affecting the lung Qi would create issues for the nose. Long term detachment will upset the lungs and can show up as recurrent sneezing or frequent colds.

When the spleen or stomach isn’t working properly, due to excessive worry, we see a disorder of the nasal mucosa (mucous membranes) and nasal obstruction, watery discharge, and sneezing result. The sense of smell is also affected.

Sneezing – Worry & Grief 

The lungs and nose belong to same system, so naturally we can see that emotions affecting the lung Qi would create issues for the nose. Long term detachment will upset the lungs and can show up as recurrent sneezing or frequent colds.

When the spleen or stomach isn’t working properly, due to excessive worry, we see a disorder of the nasal mucosa (mucous membranes) and nasal obstruction, watery discharge, and sneezing result. The sense of smell is also affected.

Sneezing – Worry & Grief 

The lungs and nose belong to same system, so naturally we can see that emotions affecting the lung Qi would create issues for the nose. Long term detachment will upset the lungs and can show up as recurrent sneezing or frequent colds.

When the spleen or stomach isn’t working properly, due to excessive worry, we see a disorder of the nasal mucosa (mucous membranes) and nasal obstruction, watery discharge, and sneezing result. The sense of smell is also affected.

Hiccups – Stress 

When liver Qi is stuck, due to frustration, anger, or stress we experience distension in the chest, the body often attempts to relieve this feeling through sighing. Discomfort is often felt just below the ribcage, along the path of the liver meridian, and hiccups can be caused due to Qi stuck in the diaphragm.

Hiccups – Stress 

When liver Qi is stuck, due to frustration, anger, or stress we experience distension in the chest, the body often attempts to relieve this feeling through sighing. Discomfort is often felt just below the ribcage, along the path of the liver meridian, and hiccups can be caused due to Qi stuck in the diaphragm.

Hiccups – Stress

When liver Qi is stuck, due to frustration, anger, or stress we experience distension in the chest, the body often attempts to relieve this feeling through sighing. Discomfort is often felt just below the ribcage, along the path of the liver meridian, and hiccups can be caused due to Qi stuck in the diaphragm.

Hot Flushes – Anger

As we all know, heat rises in the home…heat also rises in the body. When anger or frustration occur, the liver Qi is compromised. Blocked liver Qi sends energy (heat) rising upward, causing issues in the body where the energy would normally flow downward. This can account for the upward rush of warmth and reddening of the face with a hot flash, often this is the cause of night sweats too.

Hot Flushes – Anger

As we all know, heat rises in the home…heat also rises in the body. When anger or frustration occur, the liver Qi is compromised. Blocked liver Qi sends energy (heat) rising upward, causing issues in the body where the energy would normally flow downward. This can account for the upward rush of warmth and reddening of the face with a hot flash, often this is the cause of night sweats too.

Hot Flushes – Anger

As we all know, heat rises in the home…heat also rises in the body. When anger or frustration occur, the liver Qi is compromised. Blocked liver Qi sends energy (heat) rising upward, causing issues in the body where the energy would normally flow downward. This can account for the upward rush of warmth and reddening of the face with a hot flash, often this is the cause of night sweats too.

Blocked Throat – Frustration

Stagnant liver Qi from frustration, anger or stress causes an excess of heat and dampness. When the blocked liver Qi injures the spleen or there is excessive anxiety, we see an obstruction in the ability to clear the dampness, and it turns into phlegm. This is when phlegm becomes a problem and accumulates in the body, primarily in the throat, alas the feeling of a blocked throat.

Blocked Throat – Frustration

Stagnant liver Qi from frustration, anger or stress causes an excess of heat and dampness. When the blocked liver Qi injures the spleen or there is excessive anxiety, we see an obstruction in the ability to clear the dampness, and it turns into phlegm. This is when phlegm becomes a problem and accumulates in the body, primarily in the throat, alas the feeling of a blocked throat.

Blocked Throat – Frustration

Stagnant liver Qi from frustration, anger or stress causes an excess of heat and dampness. When the blocked liver Qi injures the spleen or there is excessive anxiety, we see an obstruction in the ability to clear the dampness, and it turns into phlegm. This is when phlegm becomes a problem and accumulates in the body, primarily in the throat, alas the feeling of a blocked throat.

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Swallowing problems : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Difficulty with swallowing is the feeling that food or liquid is stuck in the throat or at any point before the food enters the stomach. This problem is also called dysphagia.

This may be caused by a brain or nerve disorder, stress or anxiety, or problems that involve the back of the tongue, the throat, and the esophagus (tube leading from the throat to the stomach).

Symptoms of swallowing problems include:

  • Coughing or choking, either during or after eating
  • Gurgling sounds from the throat, during or after eating
  • Throat clearing after drinking or swallowing
  • Slow chewing or eating
  • Coughing food back up after eating
  • Hiccups after swallowing
  • Chest discomfort during or after swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss

Symptoms may be mild or severe.

Most people with dysphagia should be checked by a health care provider if the symptoms persist or come back. But these general tips may help.

  • Keep mealtime relaxed.
  • Sit up as straight as possible when you eat.
  • Take small bites, less than 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of food per bite.
  • Chew well and swallow your food before taking another bite.
  • If one side of your face or mouth is weaker, chew food on the stronger side of your mouth.
  • Do not mix solid foods with liquids in the same bite.
  • Do not try to wash down solids with sips of liquids, unless your speech or swallowing therapist says this is OK.
  • Do not talk and swallow at the same time.
  • Sit upright for 30 to 45 minutes after eating.
  • Do not drink thin liquids without checking with your doctor or therapist first.

You may need someone to remind you to finish swallowing. It may also help to ask caregivers and family members not to talk to you when you are eating or drinking.

Call your provider if:

  • You cough or have fever or shortness of breath
  • You are losing weight
  • Your swallowing problems are getting worse

Dysphagia

  • Swallowing problems

Ambrosi D, Lee YT. Rehabilitation of swallowing disorders. In: Cifu DX, ed. Braddom’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 3.

DeVault KR. Symptoms of esophageal disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.

Emmett SD. Otolaryngology in the elderly. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.

  • Brain aneurysm repair
  • Brain surgery
  • Laryngectomy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Oral cancer
  • Parkinson disease
  • Stroke
  • Throat or larynx cancer
  • Brain surgery – discharge
  • Dementia – behavior and sleep problems
  • Dementia – daily care
  • Dementia – keeping safe in the home
  • Dry mouth during cancer treatment
  • Enteral nutrition – child – managing problems
  • Gastrostomy feeding tube – bolus
  • Jejunostomy feeding tube
  • Mouth and neck radiation – discharge
  • Multiple sclerosis – discharge
  • Stroke – discharge

Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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To breathe or not to breathe. The rarest unpleasant symptom of COVID-19 is described

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Breathe or not breathe The rarest unpleasant symptom of COVID-19 is described

To breathe or not to breathe. The rarest unpleasant symptom of COVID-19 is described The rarest unpleasant symptom of COVID-19 is described

As the COVID-19 pandemic develops, articles about atypical manifestations of the disease are published in scientific journals. One of them is hiccups, which does not stop for several … RIA Novosti, 05/23/2022

2022-01-14T08:00

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MOSCOW, January 14 – RIA Novosti, Tatyana Pichugina. As the COVID-19 pandemic develops, scientific journals publish articles about atypical manifestations of the disease. One of them is hiccups, which does not stop for several days. How it is connected with a viral infection – in the material of RIA Novosti. Hiccups brought to the hospital A 62-year-old man was admitted to the Cook County clinic in the United States with complaints of hiccups lasting four days. In addition, in recent months he has lost a lot of weight. There were no cold symptoms, except for a slightly elevated temperature. Doctors took a chest X-ray to check for a tumor, but instead found ground-glass opacities in the lungs, a typical sign of viral pneumonia. Studies have shown that the patient has COVID-19. He was quickly cured. Doctors described this case in an article and emphasized the importance of such a symptom of coronavirus infection as hiccups. In November 2020, scientists from Cairo University in Egypt reported on a 48-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with hiccups, fever and sore throat. He’s been sick for a week now. According to CT of the lungs and PCR tests, he was diagnosed with COVID-19. To therapy added drugs that relieve hiccups. Ten days later, the patient was discharged. Pneumonia really occasionally manifests itself in the form of hiccups, which disappears after a course of treatment, doctors from Turkey write. They observed two men who went to the doctors because of the constant hiccups. One was diagnosed with covid, and the other recently recovered, but the consequences made themselves felt in such an unusual way. Another story from Mexico. A 48-year-old man came to the hospital with hiccups that did not stop 96 hours. There were no other painful symptoms, so he was treated as an outpatient, but the reaction did not go away. Then he was examined in more detail and found pneumonia on CT, the smear was positive. “With unexplained manifestations of inflammatory diseases, arterial and venous thrombosis, it is important to keep in mind COVID-19,” the authors conclude. In Search of CausesHiccups are respiratory failure due to simultaneous contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. The person takes a sharp breath, but the glottis closes, the air slips through the folds with a characteristic “hic” sound. Such a reaction is considered physiologically normal in response to stomach irritation, bloating and overeating. Hiccups come and go spontaneously. If it lasts two days or more, this is already a pathology. A person suffers, his body is exhausted. “The third day went like hiccups, I want to sleep, but I can’t,” says one of the Pikabu network users. To find out the cause of the violation, he went to the doctor. Hepatitis C was discovered. As the authors of the review “Hiccups: Mystery, Nature, Treatment” write, the brain processes that are responsible for the appearance of an unpleasant reflex are poorly understood. It is known that molecules of dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid are involved in this, so drugs blocking them sometimes work. But in general, there is no special treatment. Neither adults nor children are spared from hiccups – even the fetus inside the womb. Scientists know more than a hundred causes: chemical irritants, drugs, inflammation, infections, tumors, injuries, heart problems, alcoholism. In some cases, drugs are needed, someone is helped by acupuncture, holding the breath and other folk remedies, for example, inducing a gag reflex, as well as sugar, lemon. American scientists estimate that almost four thousand people end up in US hospitals a year due to hiccups . Sometimes attacks last more than a month. Record set by Iowa farmer who hiccupped 69years and 9 months: from 1922 to 1990. The cause was a cerebral hemorrhage after the man raised the pig. Mexico

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mexico, turkey, health, biology, coronavirus covid-19, hepatitis c, pcr test

Jan – RIA Novosti, Tatyana Pichugina. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, scientific journals publish articles about atypical manifestations of the disease. One of them is hiccups, which does not stop for several days. How this is connected with a viral infection – in the material RIA Novosti.

Hiccups brought to the hospital

A 62-year-old man was admitted to a Cook County clinic in the USA with complaints of hiccups lasting four days. In addition, in recent months he has lost a lot of weight. There were no cold symptoms, except for a slightly elevated temperature. Doctors took a chest x-ray to check for a tumor, but instead found ground-glass opacities in the lungs, a typical sign of viral pneumonia.

Studies have shown that the patient has COVID-19. He was quickly cured. The doctors described this case in an article and emphasized the importance of such a symptom of a coronavirus infection as hiccups.

In November 2020, scientists from Cairo University in Egypt reported on a 48-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with hiccups, fever and sore throat. He’s been sick for a week now. According to CT of the lungs and PCR tests, he was diagnosed with COVID-19. To therapy added drugs that relieve hiccups. The patient was discharged ten days later.

Pneumonia really occasionally manifests itself in the form of hiccups, which disappears after a course of treatment, doctors from Turkey write. They observed two men who went to the doctors because of the constant hiccups. One was diagnosed with covid, and the other recently recovered, but the consequences made themselves felt in such an unusual way.

Another story from Mexico. A 48-year-old man came to the hospital with hiccups that did not stop for 96 hours. There were no other painful symptoms, so he was treated as an outpatient, but the reaction did not go away. Then he was examined in more detail and found pneumonia on CT, the smear was positive. “For unexplained manifestations of inflammatory diseases, arterial and venous thrombosis, it is important to keep in mind COVID-19,” the authors of the work conclude.

Hiccups turned out to be a symptom of a fatal disease

October 19, 2021, 01:35

In search of causes

Hiccups are respiratory disorders due to simultaneous contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. The person takes a sharp breath, but the glottis closes, the air slips through the folds with a characteristic “hic” sound. Such a reaction is considered physiologically normal in response to stomach irritation, bloating and overeating.

Hiccups come on and go spontaneously. If it lasts two days or more, this is already a pathology. A person suffers, his body is exhausted. “The third day went like hiccups, I want to sleep, but I can’t,” says one of the Pikabu network users. To find out the cause of the violation, he went to the doctor. Found hepatitis C.

© Depositphotos.com / rob3000Hiccups

© Depositphotos.com / rob3000

As the authors of the review Hiccups: Mystery, Nature, Cure write, the brain processes that are responsible for the emergence of an unpleasant reflex are poorly understood. It is known that molecules of dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid are involved in this, so drugs blocking them sometimes work. But in general, there is no specific treatment.

Neither adults nor children are exempt from hiccups, not even a fetus inside the womb. Scientists know more than a hundred causes: chemical irritants, drugs, inflammation, infections, tumors, injuries, heart problems, alcoholism. In some cases, drugs are needed, someone is helped by acupuncture, holding the breath and other folk remedies, for example, inducing a gag reflex, as well as sugar, lemon.

American scientists have calculated that almost four thousand people are admitted to US hospitals every year because of hiccups. Sometimes attacks last more than a month. The record was set by a farmer from Iowa, who hiccupped for 69 years and 9 months: from 1922 to 1990. The cause was a cerebral hemorrhage after the man raised the pig.

Scientists have found that hiccups are very important

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    Hiccups are usually harmless, but a very unpleasant and annoying symptom. Everyone is used to the fact that it passes somehow by itself and does not attach due importance to it. Can the well-known “ik” be deadly?

    Just a reflex

    Hiccups are the result of contraction of the diaphragm and chest muscles. So there is a sharp closure of the glottis, accompanied by a characteristic sound and a shudder of the body.

    In simple words, hiccups are a kind of unconditioned reflex, whether it’s sneezing or coughing. With the help of such a mechanism, the body can get rid of excess air that has ended up inside the stomach. The attack will stop as soon as all the air is out.

    Why it occurs

    Physiological hiccups in a healthy adult can be associated with prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position, as well as irritation of the esophagus and stomach. In addition, the cause of hiccups may be the habit of quickly eating food or a tendency to overeat. This causes excess air to enter the stomach. It can also be associated with stress and laughter.

    Also, the cause of episodic hiccups can be the use of alcohol, which causes intoxication of the body, negatively affects the nervous system and irritates the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

    Hiccups are dangerous

    Hiccups are not serious or life-threatening in and of themselves. However, in some cases, it can indicate serious violations in the body. You need to understand in what cases you need to see a doctor, and not self-medicate.

    First, if the hiccups do not go away for more than an hour. Secondly, if the attacks bother you several times a day or several times a week. And, thirdly, if, in addition to hiccups, you feel chest pain, suffer from heartburn, or feel swallowing problems.

    There are two forms of hiccups: physiological (normal), we have described it above. And there is also pathological, it can be the cause of any disease and can last for a long time – sometimes it does not end for several days. It happens:

    1. Central origin – occurs in diseases of the brain and spinal cord, central nervous system and mental disorders.

    2. Peripheral origin – when it affects the phrenic nerve, coming from the cervical spinal cord. In such hiccups, there is one that is explained by irritation of the vagus nerve due to diseases of the stomach, esophagus and heart.

    3. Referred – refers to a type of peripheral hiccups. It occurs in diseases of organs that are far from the service area of ​​the phrenic nerve. It includes hiccups due to bowel disease.

    4. Toxic – it is associated with poisoning of the body with harmful substances. Hiccups can occur as a result of alcohol and drug intoxication, infectious diseases, diabetes mellitus, and severe renal failure.

    Do not immediately panic if you are haunted by prolonged hiccups. Usually, all serious diseases have much more pronounced signs that you will notice earlier than pathological diaphragmatic contraction.

    How to help yourself

    Physiological hiccups that are not associated with serious illness usually resolve on their own within 10-20 minutes. And although it does not threaten life, it delivers a lot of unpleasant sensations. Making a loud “hic” sound is sometimes completely out of place, so people come up with various ways to get rid of an attack as soon as possible.

    Here are some life hacks. First, you can press down on the base of the tongue with your finger, as if you were inducing vomiting. Contraction of the esophagus after irritation will block diaphragmatic spasms.

    Some people also find it helpful to take a deep breath, hold the breath a little, and exhale into a sealed bag. Then inhale the air from the bag. Thus, carbon dioxide enters the bloodstream, which will make the respiratory system work properly.