Why do hiccups sometimes occur after coughing or throat clearing. How are hiccups related to allergies and respiratory irritation. What causes the diaphragm to spasm and produce hiccups.

The Physiology of Hiccups: How They Occur

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscular structure that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and plays a crucial role in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts suddenly, it causes a quick intake of breath that is abruptly stopped by the closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound.

Why does this happen? The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it involves a reflex arc between the phrenic and vagus nerves, which control the diaphragm and aspects of the digestive system respectively. Various stimuli can trigger this reflex, leading to the spasmodic contractions we experience as hiccups.

Common Triggers for Hiccups

• Eating too quickly or too much
• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Carbonated beverages
• Sudden temperature changes in the stomach
• Stress or excitement
• Certain medications

The Link Between Coughing and Hiccups

Can coughing cause hiccups? In some cases, yes. The act of coughing or clearing your throat involves forceful contractions of the diaphragm and surrounding muscles. This sudden, intense movement can sometimes irritate the phrenic nerve, leading to hiccups.

Additionally, coughing and throat clearing can cause you to swallow more air than usual, which is another potential trigger for hiccups. This connection explains why some people experience hiccups after a bout of coughing or frequent throat clearing.

Is there a neurological connection?

The neurological pathways involved in coughing and hiccuping are closely related. Both reflexes involve the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen and plays a role in various involuntary functions. This shared neural pathway may contribute to the occasional occurrence of hiccups following coughing episodes.

Allergies and Hiccups: Exploring the Relationship

Why might allergies increase susceptibility to hiccups? Allergic reactions often involve inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, which can lead to increased coughing, throat clearing, and postnasal drip. These symptoms can potentially trigger hiccups through the mechanisms described earlier.

Furthermore, allergies can cause changes in breathing patterns, potentially leading to increased air swallowing or changes in diaphragm function. Some allergy medications, particularly those with decongestant properties, may also contribute to hiccup occurrence in some individuals.

Managing Allergy-Related Hiccups

1. Treat underlying allergy symptoms effectively
2. Stay hydrated to thin mucus secretions
3. Practice mindful eating and drinking to reduce air swallowing
4. Consider discussing medication side effects with your healthcare provider

Respiratory Irritation and Its Impact on Hiccups

How does respiratory irritation contribute to hiccup formation? When the respiratory tract is irritated, whether due to allergies, infections, or environmental factors, it can lead to increased sensitivity of the nerves in the area. This heightened sensitivity may make the diaphragm more prone to spasms, resulting in a higher likelihood of hiccups.

Respiratory irritation can also cause inflammation of the tissues surrounding the phrenic nerve, potentially making it more susceptible to stimulation and hiccup-inducing impulses. This explains why conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia can sometimes be accompanied by bouts of hiccups.

Reducing Respiratory Irritation

• Avoid known irritants (e.g., smoke, strong odors)
• Use air purifiers in your living space
• Practice good hygiene to prevent respiratory infections
• Consider using a humidifier to moisten dry air

The Role of the Nervous System in Hiccup Formation

How does the nervous system regulate hiccups? The hiccup reflex involves a complex interplay between various components of the nervous system, including the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).

The reflex arc responsible for hiccups includes afferent nerves (carrying signals to the brain), a central processor in the brain stem, and efferent nerves (carrying signals from the brain to the muscles). This intricate system can be influenced by various factors, including respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and even emotional states.

Neurological Conditions and Hiccups

In some cases, persistent or recurrent hiccups may be a sign of an underlying neurological condition. Disorders affecting the brain stem, where the hiccup reflex is processed, or conditions impacting the phrenic or vagus nerves can lead to abnormal hiccup patterns. While rare, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if hiccups persist for an extended period or occur frequently.

Strategies for Managing Cough-Induced Hiccups

How can one prevent or stop hiccups that occur after coughing? While there’s no foolproof method to prevent hiccups, several strategies may help reduce their occurrence or shorten their duration:

1. Practice controlled breathing techniques to regulate diaphragm movement
2. Sip water slowly between coughs to reduce air swallowing
3. Try gently massaging the back of the neck or the area between the shoulder blades
4. Hold your breath for a short period (if medically safe to do so)
5. Distract yourself with a engaging task to shift focus away from the hiccups

It’s important to note that while these methods may provide relief for some individuals, their effectiveness can vary. If hiccups persist or cause significant discomfort, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Hiccups

At what point should persistent hiccups be a cause for concern? While most cases of hiccups are benign and self-limiting, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Hiccups persist for more than 48 hours
• They interfere with eating, sleeping, or daily activities
• You experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fever along with hiccups
• Hiccups occur frequently and disrupt your quality of life

In rare cases, persistent hiccups can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional can help identify any potential causes and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Hiccups

When evaluating persistent hiccups, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools and techniques, including:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests to check for metabolic imbalances
• Imaging studies (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan) to rule out structural abnormalities
• Endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract
• Neurological evaluation if a central nervous system cause is suspected

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Hiccup Occurrence

How do our daily habits influence the likelihood of experiencing hiccups? Various lifestyle factors can play a role in the frequency and duration of hiccup episodes. Understanding these influences can help individuals make informed choices to potentially reduce their susceptibility to hiccups.

Dietary Considerations

Certain eating and drinking habits may increase the likelihood of hiccups:

• Consuming carbonated beverages
• Eating spicy foods
• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Drinking alcohol, particularly in large quantities

By being mindful of these factors and making adjustments to dietary habits, individuals may be able to reduce the frequency of hiccup episodes.

Stress and Emotional Factors

Emotional states and stress levels can influence various bodily functions, including the occurrence of hiccups. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or regular physical activity may help reduce stress-related hiccups.

Sleep Patterns and Hiccups

Some individuals report experiencing hiccups more frequently when tired or sleep-deprived. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene may contribute to overall bodily regulation, potentially reducing the likelihood of hiccup episodes.

Exploring Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Hiccup Management

Are there non-traditional methods for managing hiccups? While scientific evidence for many alternative approaches is limited, some individuals report finding relief through various complementary techniques. It’s important to approach these methods with caution and consult a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment.

Acupressure and Acupuncture

Some practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine suggest that stimulating certain acupressure points may help alleviate hiccups. Common points include:

• The phrenic nerve point (located on the wrist)
• The diaphragm point (found on the palm)
• The stomach point (located on the leg)

While anecdotal evidence exists for the effectiveness of these techniques, more research is needed to establish their scientific validity.

Herbal Remedies

Various herbs have been traditionally used to address hiccups in different cultures. Some commonly cited examples include:

• Peppermint
• Fennel
• Anise
• Ginger

These herbs are often consumed as teas or in their raw form. However, it’s crucial to remember that herbal remedies can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal treatments.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Given the potential connection between stress and hiccups, some individuals find relief through mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques. These may include:

• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Mindful breathing exercises
• Yoga or tai chi

While these practices may not directly stop hiccups, they can contribute to overall stress reduction and bodily awareness, potentially influencing hiccup occurrence indirectly.

The Future of Hiccup Research and Treatment

What advancements can we expect in understanding and treating hiccups? As medical research continues to evolve, new insights into the mechanisms behind hiccups and potential treatment options are emerging. Some areas of ongoing research include:

Neurostimulation Techniques

Researchers are exploring the use of various neurostimulation methods to address persistent hiccups. These may include:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Phrenic nerve stimulation

Early studies have shown promising results in some cases of intractable hiccups, though more research is needed to establish the long-term efficacy and safety of these approaches.

Pharmacological Advancements

Scientists continue to investigate new medications and drug combinations that may be effective in treating persistent hiccups. This research includes:

• Exploring the potential of existing drugs used for other conditions
• Developing new compounds targeting specific aspects of the hiccup reflex
• Investigating the role of neurotransmitters in hiccup formation

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Advancements in medical imaging and neurological testing may lead to better understanding of the underlying causes of chronic hiccups. This could result in more targeted and effective treatments for individuals suffering from persistent hiccup disorders.

As research progresses, it’s likely that our understanding of hiccups – from their physiological mechanisms to potential treatments – will continue to expand. This growing knowledge base may lead to more effective strategies for managing both acute and chronic hiccup conditions in the future.

Why You Get Hiccups ..and How To Make Them Stop

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Why Do Hiccups Happen?
• Long-term Hiccups
• How to Make Them Stop

Once is funny, twice is hilarious, and anything more than that is usually just annoying. We’ve all had them, but do you actually know where they come from? They’re hiccups, and they’re the strange little sounds that can escape from your mouth without warning.

Hiccups start much lower in your body, though — in the diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle between your lungs and stomach. Normally, the diaphragm pulls down when you inhale to let air into your lungs, and then relaxes when you exhale so air can flow back out of your lungs to exit your nose and mouth.

But if something irritates your diaphragm, it can spasm, forcing you to suddenly suck air into your throat, where it hits your voice box. That makes your vocal cords suddenly close, creating the distinct “hic!” sound.

Hiccups can happen for a lot of reasons — some of them are physical, and some emotional. That’s because the actual irritation happens in the nerve connecting the brain to the diaphragm. Some common causes include:

• Eating too much or too quickly
• Feeling nervous or excited
• Drinking carbonated beverages or too much alcohol
• Stress
• A sudden change in temperature
• Swallowing air while sucking on candy or chewing gum

Hiccups are usually temporary, but in rare cases, they can stick around — for a while. It’s usually because of damage or aggravation to the nerves connected to the diaphragm. Everything from a hair touching your eardrum to a sore throat can affect these nerves, and in more serious cases, a tumor, goiter, or cyst in the neck can damage them.

Hiccups that last a while can also be because of central nervous system disorders like encephalitis or meningitis, or metabolic disorders like diabetes or kidney failure. Drugs like steroids or some tranquilizers can trigger long-term hiccups, too.

And even certain procedures, especially ones that require anesthesia, can give you hiccups. If you’ve been hiccupping for more than 2 days, or if they are severe enough to interfere with eating, breathing, sleeping or are causing you distress, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Also, talk to your doctor immediately if you have any kind of stomach pain, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, or cough up blood with your hiccups.

If you’re hoping that hanging upside down or having a friend scare you will get your hiccups to stop, we hate to disappoint you. But there’s no scientific proof that these remedies work.

However, some experts think holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag might do the trick; both techniques make carbon dioxide build up in your lungs, which might relax the diaphragm.

If all else fails, and your hiccups continue for several days or more, your doctor may try different medications to see if they can put an end to those uncomfortable hiccups. Good luck!

Top Picks

How to Make Them Stop and More

Hiccups are caused by the diaphragm involuntarily contracting. Some common causes for this contraction include drinking carbonated beverages, eating a large meal, swallowing too much air, or stress.

Hiccups are repetitive, uncontrollable contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle structure just below your lungs.

The diaphragm marks the boundary between your chest and abdomen, and it also regulates breathing. When your diaphragm contracts, your lungs take in oxygen. When your diaphragm relaxes, your lungs release carbon dioxide.

The diaphragm contracting out of rhythm is what causes hiccups. Each spasm of the diaphragm makes the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords close suddenly. This results in a sudden rush of air into the lungs. Your body reacts with a gasp or chirp, creating the sound characteristic of hiccups.

There’s no way to anticipate hiccups. With each spasm, there’s usually a slight tightening of the chest or throat prior to you making the distinctive hiccup sound.

Most cases of hiccups start and end abruptly, for no noticeable reason. Episodes generally last only a few minutes.

Did you know?

The medical term for hiccups is singultus.

Numerous causes of hiccups have been identified. However, there’s no definitive list of triggers. Hiccups often come and go for no apparent reason.

Common causes of short-term hiccups may include:

• overeating
• eating spicy food
• consuming alcohol
• drinking carbonated beverages, like sodas
• consuming very hot or very cold foods
• a sudden change in air temperature
• aerophagia, which is swallowing too much air
• swallowing air while chewing gum
• excitement or emotional stress

There are several factors that can increase your likelihood of developing hiccups. You may be more susceptible if you:

• are male
• experience intense mental or emotional responses, ranging from anxiety to excitement
• have had surgery, especially abdominal surgery
• have received general anesthesia

Hiccups and your baby

Hiccups can occur at any age. They can even occur while a fetus is still in the womb.

Hiccups are also normal in newborns, are rarely bothersome for them, and don’t typically require home remedies or treatment.

Was this helpful?

Most hiccups aren’t an emergency or anything to worry about. However, a prolonged episode can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life.

Contact a doctor if you have hiccups that last longer than 2 days. The doctor can determine the severity of your hiccups in relation to your overall health and other conditions.

There are numerous options for treating hiccups. Typically, a short-term case of hiccups will take care of itself. However, the discomfort may make waiting out hiccups unbearable if they last longer than a few minutes.

Home remedies

Not all of these have been proven to stop hiccups, but you can try the following potential treatments for hiccups at home:

• Breathe into a paper bag.
• Eat a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
• Hold your breath.
• Drink a glass of cold water.
• Pull on your tongue.
• Lift your uvula, which is the fleshy piece of tissue that’s suspended above the back of your throat, with a spoon.
• Attempt to purposefully gasp or belch.
• Bring your knees to your chest and maintain this position.
• Try the Valsalva maneuver by shutting your mouth and nose and exhaling forcibly.
• Relax and breathe in a slow, controlled manner.

Medications

Treating any underlying causes of your hiccups will usually make them go away.

If your hiccups last for a while and have no obvious cause, a doctor may recommend several anti-hiccup medications. The more commonly used medications include:

• antipsychotic medications chlorpromazine and haloperidol
• benzodiazepines, a class of tranquilizers
• seizure medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an antihistamine
• metoclopramide (Reglan), an anti-nausea drug
• baclofen, a muscle relaxant
• nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL), a blood pressure medication

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any prescription medications for the treatment of hiccups. If a doctor recommends any of the prescription medications above, it’ll be an example of off-label drug use.

Off-label drug use

Off-label drug use means a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for one purpose is used for a different purpose that hasn’t yet been approved.

However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose. This is because the FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, but not how doctors use them to treat their patients. So your doctor can prescribe a medication however they think is best for your care.

Massage

A doctor may perform a carotid sinus massage to help stop long lasting hiccups. This involves rubbing the main carotid artery in the neck.

Invasive procedures

There are also more invasive options, which can be used to end extreme cases of hiccups. They include:

• nasogastric intubation, which is the insertion of a tube through your nose into your stomach
• gastric lavage (stomach pumping)
• an anesthetic injection to block the phrenic nerve, which is located in the diaphragm
• surgical implantation of a diaphragmatic pacemaker, a battery-powered device that stimulates your diaphragm and regulates breathing

Hiccups that last longer than 48 hours are considered persistent. Hiccups that last longer than 2 months are considered intractable, or difficult to manage.

These types of long-term hiccups are categorized by the type of irritant that caused the episode.

Nerve injury or irritation

The majority of persistent hiccups are caused by injury or irritation to either the vagus or phrenic nerve. The vagus and phrenic nerves control the movement of your diaphragm. These nerves may be affected by:

• irritation of your eardrum, which may be caused by a foreign object
• throat irritation or soreness
• goiter
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• an esophageal cyst or tumor

Central nervous system (CNS) damage

Other causes of hiccups may involve the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. If the CNS is damaged, your body may lose the ability to control hiccups.

CNS damage that may lead to persistent hiccups includes:

• stroke
• multiple sclerosis (MS)
• tumors
• head trauma or brain injury
• meningitis and encephalitis, which are infections that can cause swelling in the brain
• hydrocephalus, or the accumulation of fluid on the brain
• neurosyphilis and other brain infections

Other causes

Hiccups that last for longer periods can also be caused by:

• misuse of alcohol
• tobacco use
• a reaction to anesthesia after surgery
• certain classes of medications, including barbiturates, steroids, and tranquilizers
• electrolyte imbalance
• diabetes
• kidney failure
• arteriovenous malformation, a condition in which arteries and veins are tangled in the brain
• Parkinson’s disease
• cancer and chemotherapy treatments

Medical procedures

Sometimes, a medical procedure can accidentally cause you to develop long-term hiccups. These procedures are used to treat or diagnose other conditions and include:

• use of catheters to access the heart muscle
• placement of an esophageal stent to prop open the esophagus
• bronchoscopy, in which a doctor uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end to examine your lungs and airways
• tracheostomy, or the creation of a surgical opening in the neck to allow breathing around an airway obstruction

Diagnosis

If the cause of your hiccups is unclear, a doctor may recommend tests. These can help detect any underlying disease or condition.

The following tests may be useful in determining the cause of persistent or intractable hiccups:

• blood tests to identify signs of infection, diabetes, or kidney disease
• liver function tests
• imaging of the diaphragm with a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI
• echocardiogram to assess heart function
• endoscopy, in which a doctor uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end to investigate your esophagus, windpipe, stomach, and intestine
• bronchoscopy

A long-term episode of hiccups can be uncomfortable and even harmful to your health. If left untreated, prolonged hiccups can disturb your sleeping and eating patterns, leading to:

• sleeplessness
• exhaustion
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• dehydration

There’s no proven method for preventing hiccups. However, if you experience hiccups frequently, you can try to reduce your exposure to known triggers.

Following this advice may also help reduce your susceptibility to hiccups:

• Try not to overeat.
• Avoid carbonated beverages.
• Protect yourself from sudden temperature changes.
• Don’t drink alcohol.
• Remain calm, and try to avoid intense emotional or physical reactions.

Hiccups have a wide range of possible triggers, from drinking soda and eating certain foods to medication use and underlying conditions. A number of possible treatments are also available.

In rare instances, hiccups can last longer than 48 hours. If your hiccups last longer than 48 hours, don’t respond to treatment, or you aren’t sure what’s causing them, see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Also, see a doctor or seek emergency help if you’re having numbness and coordination issues alongside your persistent hiccups. These may be symptoms of a stroke.

Is it possible to die from hiccups

May 30, 2023
16:30

Photo: freepik.com

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 may 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.

How dangerous is hiccups

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.

One of the most popular and proven ways is to drink cold water in small sips.

There is another way to drink. You need to clasp your hands behind your back in a castle and quickly drink the water that the other person is holding. This posture will relax the diaphragm, and a quick swallow of cool water will compress it. As a result, involuntary contractions will quickly stop.

Pressing and push-ups can also help with hiccups. Take good care of your body and stay healthy.

health
hiccups
society
news
medicine
Look around/interesting

Top 10 causes of hiccups, including deadly ones

Likbez

Health

October 18, 2019

If you hiccup, even if intermittently, for two days or longer, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Hiccups are generally harmless. It is caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, a large muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Normally, the diaphragm allows us to breathe. When it moves down, the chest expands and the lungs get the opportunity to draw in air. We inhale. When it rises, it forces the air out of the lungs. There is an exhalation.

The movements of the diaphragm are controlled by the brain. But sometimes its signals fail, and the diaphragm begins to contract involuntarily. With each spasm, the lungs push air out of themselves, it exits through the larynx and closes the glottis and epiglottis. This process is accompanied by a characteristic sound – hiccups.

Physiologists still do not quite understand why the brain sometimes gets stuck on such a simple movement as inhalation-exhalation. However, some factors that can trigger hiccups have still been established. Let’s say right away: sometimes hiccups are a dangerous signal.

When to see a doctor urgently

Experts from the reputable research organization Mayo Clinic list two symptoms that should be treated as soon as possible:

• hiccups lasting 48 hours or more;
• hiccups of lesser duration but so tiring as to interfere with eating, drinking, sleeping or breathing.

An ambulance is not required. Even in the above situations, hiccups in and of themselves are not fatal. However, it can be a sign of serious diseases that are important to diagnose in time.

Why do people hiccup

Most often, hiccups go away on their own after a few minutes. Such hiccups are called short-term. However, it will be considered short-term even if, with or without interruptions, it lasts up to two days. But if you hiccup for longer, we are talking about long-term or persistent hiccups.

Causes of short-term hiccups

1. Drinking carbonated drinks.
2. Too much alcohol.
3. Overeating.
4. Sudden change in ambient temperature. For example, when you leave the house into the wind or, conversely, return from the cold to a warm office or apartment.
5. Eating too hot (optionally spicy) or cold food.
6. Excitement, excitement, fear, stress.
7. Accidental swallowing of air. This happens when you chew gum or lick hard candies.

Causes of persistent hiccups

Hiccups that last more than two days can be caused by dozens of factors. In order not to list them individually, they are grouped into three categories.

1. Irritation or damage to the nerves

We are talking about the vagus or phrenic nerves – those that control the movements of the diaphragm. They can be damaged or irritated by:

• Hairs, pieces of dirt or other objects (eg small insects) that have entered the ear and are touching the eardrum.
• Tumor, cyst, goiter in the neck area.
• Laryngitis. So called inflammation of the mucous membranes of the larynx. Most often it is associated with colds or infectious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, scarlet fever.
• Heartburn. It is also gastroesophageal reflux, in which acidic gastric juice enters the esophagus and irritates its walls.

2. Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS)

Infection, tumor, damage to the central nervous system due to various kinds of injuries – all this can lead to involuntary spasms of the diaphragm. Here are just a few examples of diseases that fall into this category:

• meningitis;
• encephalitis;
• traumatic brain injury;
• stroke;
• multiple sclerosis;
• brain tumors – both benign and malignant (cancer).

3. Diseases related to metabolism and taking certain drugs

The following factors can provoke persistent hiccups:

• diabetes;
• kidney diseases;
• electrolyte imbalance;
• uncontrolled intake of tranquilizers, steroids, barbiturates, painkillers;
• alcoholism.