What causes hiccups and how can they be treated. When do hiccups become a serious medical concern. What are effective home remedies for stopping hiccups. How long should hiccups last before seeing a doctor. What symptoms accompanying hiccups require immediate medical care.

The Physiology of Hiccups: Understanding the Mechanism

Hiccups are a common physiological phenomenon that most people experience from time to time. But what exactly causes this peculiar bodily function? Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdomen, contracts involuntarily. This sudden contraction causes a quick inhalation of air, which is then abruptly stopped by the closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the characteristic “hic” sound.

The spasm originating from the diaphragm or the nerves controlling it is the root cause of hiccups. While they may seem to come from the chest, the underlying mechanism is more complex, involving the interplay between the diaphragm, vocal cords, and specific nerves.

Key Nerves Involved in Hiccups

• Phrenic nerve: Controls the diaphragm
• Vagus nerve: Part of the autonomic nervous system

Understanding the physiological basis of hiccups is crucial for developing effective treatments and recognizing when they might indicate a more serious condition.

Common Triggers: What Causes Hiccups in Everyday Life?

Hiccups can be triggered by various factors in our daily lives. Identifying these triggers can help prevent recurring episodes and manage them more effectively. Here are some of the most common causes of hiccups:

1. Eating habits:
   • Consuming food too quickly
   • Overeating
2. Beverages:
   • Drinking carbonated drinks
   • Excessive alcohol consumption
3. Emotional states:
   • Excitement
   • Nervousness
   • Fear
4. Environmental factors:
   • Sudden temperature changes
5. Other factors:
   • Stress
   • Swallowing air while chewing gum or eating candy
   • Esophageal irritation

Esophageal reflux is a particularly common cause of hiccups. This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation that can trigger the hiccup reflex. Being aware of these triggers can help individuals make lifestyle adjustments to reduce the frequency of hiccup episodes.

Home Remedies: Effective Techniques to Stop Hiccups

When hiccups strike, there are several home remedies that people often turn to for relief. While not all of these methods are scientifically proven, many individuals find them helpful. Here are some popular techniques to try:

Breathing Techniques

• Holding your breath: This method temporarily disrupts your breathing pattern and may stop hiccups.
• Valsalva maneuver: Attempt to exhale while closing your mouth and pinching your nose shut. This stimulates the vagus nerve and may interrupt the hiccup reflex.

Stimulating the Vagus Nerve

• Applying mild pressure to closed eyes
• Ingesting ice
• Eating a spoonful of sugar
• Consuming peanut butter from a spoon
• Eating a lemon wedge

These methods are thought to work by stimulating the vagus nerve, which can potentially “reset” the nervous system and stop the hiccup reflex. It’s important to note that while these remedies are generally safe, individuals should exercise caution and avoid any methods that may pose a risk to their health.

When Hiccups Persist: Understanding Chronic Hiccups

While most hiccup episodes are brief and resolve on their own, some individuals experience prolonged or chronic hiccups. But when do hiccups transition from a minor annoyance to a medical concern? Chronic hiccups are defined as episodes that last more than 48 hours or recur frequently.

Persistent hiccups can have various underlying causes, some of which may require medical attention:

• Post-surgical irritation of the phrenic or vagus nerves
• Cancers of the chest or neck
• Disorders of the brain (e.g., tumors, strokes)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Medication side effects
• Idiopathic causes (no apparent reason)

If hiccups persist for more than a couple of days, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can help rule out serious underlying conditions and may prescribe medications if traditional methods fail to provide relief.

Medical Interventions: Treating Persistent Hiccups

When home remedies and lifestyle changes fail to resolve persistent hiccups, medical interventions may be necessary. Healthcare providers have several options at their disposal to treat chronic hiccups:

Medications

• Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that can help reduce diaphragm spasms
• Chlorpromazine: An antipsychotic medication that can be effective in treating hiccups
• Metoclopramide: A medication that improves gut motility and may help with hiccups
• Gabapentin: An anticonvulsant that can be used off-label for hiccups

Other Interventions

• Nerve blocks: Injecting anesthetic into specific nerves to interrupt the hiccup reflex
• Acupuncture: Some studies suggest acupuncture may be effective for persistent hiccups
• Surgical interventions: In rare, severe cases, surgical procedures may be considered to address the underlying cause of chronic hiccups

The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of the hiccups, the patient’s overall health, and the severity of the symptoms. A healthcare provider will work with the patient to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Red Flags: When Hiccups Signal a Serious Condition

While hiccups are usually harmless, in some cases, they can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. It’s crucial to recognize the warning signs that indicate when hiccups require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms Requiring Emergency Care

If hiccups are accompanied by any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Sudden onset of numbness
• Coordination issues
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Facial droop
• Speech changes
• Vision changes (partial loss of vision)
• Weakness on one side of the body

These symptoms could indicate a stroke, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Additionally, if hiccups are accompanied by any cardiovascular symptoms, it’s crucial to seek emergency evaluation right away.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Even if emergency symptoms are not present, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if:

• Hiccups persist for more than 48 hours
• Hiccups are interfering with sleep or daily activities
• There are additional symptoms that cause concern

A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing Hiccup Occurrences

While it’s not always possible to prevent hiccups entirely, there are several strategies individuals can employ to reduce their frequency and severity. By addressing common triggers and making lifestyle adjustments, many people find they can minimize hiccup occurrences.

Dietary Considerations

• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to prevent swallowing excess air
• Avoid overeating; consume smaller, more frequent meals if necessary
• Limit consumption of carbonated beverages and alcohol
• Stay hydrated with water and non-carbonated beverages

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Avoid sudden temperature changes when possible
• If you chew gum or eat hard candy, be mindful of swallowing air
• Maintain good posture to reduce pressure on the diaphragm

Managing Underlying Conditions

• If you suffer from acid reflux, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for management
• Keep chronic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders well-controlled
• Review medications with your healthcare provider to identify any that may be triggering hiccups

By implementing these prevention strategies, individuals may be able to reduce the frequency and duration of hiccup episodes, improving their overall quality of life.

Myths and Misconceptions: Debunking Common Hiccup Beliefs

Hiccups have been the subject of numerous myths and old wives’ tales for generations. While some of these beliefs may have a grain of truth, others are entirely unfounded. Let’s examine some common misconceptions about hiccups and separate fact from fiction.

Myth: Scaring Someone Cures Hiccups

One of the most persistent myths is that scaring someone can cure their hiccups. While the gasp of fright might induce a vagal nerve response that interrupts the hiccup reflex, this method is not recommended. The risks associated with startling someone, such as potential falls or negative impacts on underlying heart conditions, outweigh any potential benefits.

Myth: Hiccups Always Indicate a Serious Problem

While persistent hiccups can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition, most hiccup episodes are harmless and resolve on their own. It’s important not to panic at the onset of hiccups, but rather to monitor their duration and any accompanying symptoms.

Myth: Holding Your Breath is the Only Effective Cure

While holding your breath can be an effective method for some people, it’s not the only way to stop hiccups. Various techniques, such as the Valsalva maneuver or consuming certain foods, can be equally or more effective for different individuals.

Myth: Hiccups Always Come in Sets of Three or Seven

There’s no scientific evidence to support the notion that hiccups occur in specific numbered sets. The duration and frequency of hiccups can vary greatly from person to person and episode to episode.

By understanding these myths and focusing on evidence-based information, individuals can better manage their hiccups and know when to seek medical attention.

As we continue to explore the fascinating phenomenon of hiccups, it’s clear that while they are often a benign and temporary inconvenience, they can sometimes signal more serious underlying conditions. By understanding the causes, remedies, and warning signs associated with hiccups, individuals can better manage this common bodily function and recognize when medical attention is necessary. Remember, while most hiccup episodes resolve on their own, persistent or concerning hiccups should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure optimal health and well-being.

When are hiccups serious? | Ohio State Medical Center

Author:


J. Chad Hoyle, MD

Topics:

• Health and Wellness
• Neurological Institute

February 07, 2020

Hiccups. They can be annoying or embarrassing, but we typically don’t think of them as concerning. They’re usually short-lived, although in rare cases, they can persist. When they last more than a of couple days, or if other symptoms occur at their onset, they can be a sign of a more serious medical condition.

What causes hiccups?

Hiccups seem to come from the chest–a quick influx of air that hits your vocal cords and causes a little sound. The spasm that causes a hiccup is really coming from your diaphragm or the nerves that control it. Some common causes include:

• Eating too much or too fast
• Feeling excited, nervous or scared
• Drinking carbonated beverages or too much alcohol (sometimes in excess)
• Stress
• A sudden change in temperature
• Swallowing air while chewing gum or sucking on candy
• Irritation of the esophagus

Esophageal reflux is a common cause of hiccups. Prolonged hiccups, though, could be caused by direct post-surgical irritation of the phrenic or vagus nerves. Irritation can also be caused by cancers of the chest or neck. Rarely, hiccups can be associated with disorders of the brain–including tumors and strokes, among others—or cardiovascular disease. Some medications can trigger long-term hiccups, too.

Finally, hiccups can also persist without an apparent cause.

What really gets rid of hiccups?

Before we worry too much about serious conditions, let’s consider some of the many recommendations to get rid of your hiccups. One of the most common is temporarily holding your breath to disrupt your breathing pattern. It can be helpful, and it doesn’t carry much risk to try.

As mentioned, the vagus and phrenic nerves affect your diaphragm. They’re part of your autonomic nervous system, which controls your heart rate and breathing.

Maneuvers that affect the nerve reflex may knock out your hiccups. The Valsalva maneuver is performed by attempting to exhale while closing your mouth and pinching your nose shut at the same time. You’ll bear down a bit as well, trying to (unsuccessfully) expel air, as if blowing up a balloon.

This motion stimulates the vagus nerve, called a vagal nerve response, and it can interrupt the hiccups. I like to think of it as rebooting your nervous system; sort of a reset for the irritated nerves.

Ingesting ice or applying mild pressure to your closed eye might also reboot this nervous system response.

You also may get rid of hiccups with a spoonful of sugar to stimulate the back of your throat (which also might cause a vagal nerve response). Eating peanut butter from a spoon might relax the back of your throat and could help. Interestingly, some patients have had success getting rid of hiccups by eating a lemon wedge.

The one common recommendation to be cautioned against is the tradition of scaring someone to rid them of hiccups. While the gasp of fright may induce a vagal nerve response that interrupts the spasm, it also risks dangerous side effects: If you scare someone, they could lose their balance and fall, and being startled may also negatively impact an underlying heart condition.

When should you seek medical attention?

There are two scenarios that should send you for medical care. First, if hiccups persist more than a couple of days, you should seek care with your primary care provider. This is important especially if the hiccups are preventing you from sleeping. Your provider can rule out other medical causes and may prescribe medications if more traditional methods of stopping your hiccups aren’t working.

More important than the duration, though, is the onset of additional symptoms with the hiccups. You may need to seek emergency care if your hiccups are accompanied by symptoms such as the sudden onset of numbness or coordination issues. These could indicate a stroke, which is serious and needs immediate treatment. Other symptoms of stroke include the sudden onset of difficulty speaking or swallowing, facial droop, speech change, vision changes (losing part of your vision) or weakness on one side of your body.

Pay attention to your body. If the onset of hiccups includes any cardiovascular symptoms, go to an emergency department and get evaluated right away.

But if you’re not experiencing anything else, give it a couple of days. Transient hiccups are usually part of the normal spectrum of life.

J. Chad Hoyle is a neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disorders and electromyography at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Visit Ohio State Health & Discovery for more stories on health, wellness, innovation, research and science news from the experts at Ohio State.

Check out health.osu.edu

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.

why it happens and how to treat – Pro Palliative

Contents

Why does hiccups occur? What is her mechanism?

How long can hiccups last?

How is hiccups treated?

How can you help a person with hiccups at home?

Do folk remedies work?

What if the hiccups don’t go away for a long time?

Is it always worth worrying if a patient has hiccups?

Should information about hiccups be recorded?

If hiccups usually occur after eating, what should I do?

Hiccups are one of the extremely unpleasant manifestations of various diseases. We tell in detail why hiccups occur, how it is treated. Is it dangerous, and when you need to see a doctor, and when you can just wait it out or cope with “folk” ways.

Why does hiccups occur, what is its mechanism?

With convulsive contractions of the diaphragm – the muscular septum that separates the chest and abdominal cavities, there is a short-term increase in the size of the lungs. And the air that is around us rapidly enters the respiratory tract: this is how hiccups occur – an involuntary short breath.

The work of the diaphragm, its contraction and relaxation are regulated by nerve impulses that reach the muscular septum through the phrenic nerves of the same name.

Hiccups occur when they are irritated by toxic substances, such as smoking, drinking alcohol and taking certain drugs. Also, hiccups can be caused by compression of the nerves by a tumor of the esophagus or a stomach filled with food. The brain also controls the function of the diaphragm, so epilepsy, encephalitis, Parkinson’s disease, the effects of a stroke, as well as trauma and brain tumors can lead to hiccups.

How long can hiccups last?

Hiccups are an involuntary short breath with a characteristic sound; in medicine, hiccups are referred to as one of the types of abnormal human breathing. There are short-term hiccups, lasting up to 15 minutes, which disappears on their own. And also longer up to two days: such hiccups are called persistent. Up to several months – this is intractable hiccups, which is rare, but can cause significant discomfort to a person and reduce his quality of life.

How is hiccups treated?

Hiccups are not an independent disease, but a symptom, therefore, in order to effectively treat hiccups, it is necessary to act on its cause. Removal of a tumor that compresses the phrenic nerve, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system and brain, rehabilitation after a stroke or injury helps to cope, including with hiccups.

Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, reduce the toxic effect on the nerve endings in the diaphragm and hiccups do not occur. Normalization of blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus, hormone levels in thyroid diseases, toxins in kidney pathology are important measures to rid a person of hiccups.

Regardless of the cause, drugs that have a muscle relaxant effect help to cope with a painful symptom when there is a blocking of the nerve impulse to the muscles, including the diaphragm, and their relaxation. In some cases, antiemetic and anticonvulsant drugs also help, but you can take them only as directed by your doctor.

Everything about caring for a seriously ill person at home We collected all the most important materials on how to care for a seriously ill person. Please read them carefully to help make caring for your loved one safe and competent

How can you help a person with hiccups at home?

Short-term symptomatic hiccups go away on their own, but you can use “folk” remedies to eliminate it.

It is important to provide psychological support to relatives and friends, to be close to a person with severe symptoms.

In the event that the underlying condition that causes hiccups cannot be cured, there should be medications at home and your doctor’s advice on how to take them that can help get rid of hiccups.

Do folk remedies work – hold your breath, drink water in small sips, etc.?

Yes, folk remedies for hiccups can be used, but they are not proven to be effective or have a clear advantage over other treatments, such as drugs. Holding the breath leads to an increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the human body, which weakens the contractions of the diaphragm and stops hiccups.

Drinking water in small sips, sucking on an ice or sugar cube, and inducing vomiting may also help. In this way, a person stimulates the vagus nerve, which affects the contraction of the muscles of the diaphragm.

Some patients manage hiccups with exercise that relaxes the muscular septum. For example, you can sit on the floor for several minutes to clasp your knees with your hands and pull them to your chest.

What if the hiccups don’t go away for a long time?

People with persistent hiccups should see a doctor and get tested, as hiccups can be a sign of a serious illness. Diagnostic algorithms include a full patient survey and examination by a doctor, blood tests and a number of instrumental examinations (ECG, fibrogastroduodenoscopy, electroencephalography, and others).

Is it always worth worrying if a patient has hiccups?

No, not always. If the hiccups are short-term and go away on their own, then there is no cause for concern. Persistent and intractable hiccups are an alarming symptom and require specialist advice.

Diary of observations of the condition of a seriously ill person How to manage, what symptoms and indicators should be recorded

Should I record information about hiccups? Is it important for doctors?

Yes, it can help the doctor diagnose diseases, as hiccups are an important symptom. New hiccups, regularly recurring episodes of even short-term hiccups, its connection with any event or condition in a person’s life can be important information for diagnosing the disease.

If a person usually has hiccups after eating, what should I do?

Eating smaller meals throughout the day and standing up may reduce the chance of hiccups after eating. In the presence of diseases of the stomach or intestines, certain medications may be taken to prevent hiccups. Consult your doctor about this possibility, please do not self-medicate.

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How to get rid of hiccups quickly and easily

Likbez

Health

June 1, 2020

Eat a lemon, have sex, or breathe into a bag.

Where does hiccups come from

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and is essential for breathing.

The movements of the diaphragm are controlled by the brain. Sometimes he gives incorrect signals, causing her to contract faster than necessary. With each spasm, the muscle presses on the lungs and pushes air out of them. It passes under pressure through the larynx and closes the glottis and epiglottis. This process is accompanied by a characteristic sound. Spasms are repeated, hiccups occur.

Physiologists do not always understand what exactly causes diaphragmatic contractions. There are many possible reasons: from accidental swallowing of air to dangerous diseases of the nervous system.

Robert Provine

neuroscientist, author of Curious Behavior: Yawning, Laughing, Hiccups, commentary to Vox

We still don’t really know where hiccups come from. Therefore, her therapy has not improved since the time of Plato.

However, whatever causes hiccups can be stopped with simple methods.

Now reading 🔥

• What to do if the temperature stays at 37 ° C

How to get rid of hiccups

Most ways to quickly stop respiratory spasms have one of two goals:

• Increase measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in the lungs and blood. Feeling the threat of suffocation, the body quickly recovers and normalizes the work of the diaphragm.
• Stimulate the vagus nerve. It links the brain and the digestive system and is also involved in the process of respiration. Stimulation causes the brain to switch to new sensations and stop transmitting incorrect signals to the diaphragm.

Choose any option you like. And move on to another if the previous one didn’t work.

Hold your breath

Take a deep breath and hold it for 10-20 seconds. Then exhale slowly. Repeat if necessary.

Breathe into a paper bag

Use a small paper (not plastic!) bag to cover your nose and mouth. Slowly exhale and inhale so that the bag inflates and deflates. Continue for 15 seconds.

Breathe slowly.

Inhale deeply, counting to five, and exhale in the same way. Do 5-7 reps.

Embrace your knees

Find a place where you can sit comfortably and raise your knees to chest level. Grasp your legs with your hands and try to press them more tightly to the body, while leaning forward. Sit in this position for 20-30 seconds.

Drink a glass of cold water

Do it quickly. To stimulate the vagus nerve even more effectively, you can drink through a straw, plugging your ears with your fingers, pressing on your closed eyes, or squeezing the wings of your nose.

Suck on an ice cube

Suck it on for a few minutes. And swallow when it shrinks to a small size.

Eat something with a strong taste

For example, a slice of lemon or a tomato seasoned generously with vinegar.

Try to induce a gag reflex

This can be done by pressing your fingers or a spoon on the base (root) of the tongue. The inevitable spasm of the esophagus will stop the contractions of the diaphragm.

Stick out your tongue as far as you can

To be sure, pull it out and down with your fingers. This will also put pressure on the root of the tongue and provoke a spasm of the esophagus.

Put sugar on the tongue

Approximately a teaspoon, trying to place the crystals as close as possible to the root of the tongue. Let the sand dissolve or do not swallow for at least 5-10 seconds.

Inhale something with a strong smell

Ammonia or ammonia will do.

Massage the carotid artery

It lies on both sides of the neck. This is the paired artery that you press with your fingers when you try to feel for a pulse under the lower jaw.

Lie on your back, turn your head to the left and massage the artery on the right side in a circular motion for 5-10 seconds.

Do a rectal massage

Just put your finger in the anus. This non-standard method was discovered by doctors at the Bnei Zion Medical Center (Haifa, Israel). This is how they stopped the persistent hiccups in a 60-year-old patient.

In 2006, doctors even received the Ig Nobel Prize for their discovery.

Have sex

Francis Fesmire, the physician who published the first study on the benefits of rectal massage, later said that he would have advised sex instead of a finger in the anus.