Why do i hiccup a lot. Understanding Hiccups: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Remedies
What are hiccups and why do they occur. How long do hiccups typically last. Can hiccups be a sign of underlying health issues. What are some effective home remedies for hiccups. When should you seek medical attention for hiccups.
The Science Behind Hiccups: What Causes These Involuntary Spasms?
Hiccups are a common physiological phenomenon that most people experience occasionally. But what exactly causes these involuntary contractions? Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a large muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdomen, suddenly and involuntarily contracts. This rapid contraction causes a quick inhalation of air, which is then abruptly stopped by the closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound.
The exact mechanism triggering hiccups isn’t fully understood, but several factors can contribute to their onset:
- Eating too quickly or overeating
- Swallowing air while eating or drinking
- Carbonated beverages
- Sudden temperature changes in the stomach
- Stress or excitement
- Certain medications
Are hiccups always benign? While most cases of hiccups are harmless and resolve on their own within a few minutes to hours, persistent or recurrent hiccups can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. If hiccups last for more than 48 hours or significantly interfere with daily activities, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Common Triggers and Risk Factors for Hiccups
Understanding the triggers and risk factors for hiccups can help in preventing or managing them effectively. Some common triggers include:
- Spicy or hot foods
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Chewing gum
- Talking while eating
Certain medical conditions can also increase the likelihood of experiencing hiccups:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hiatal hernia
- Brain tumors or infections affecting the areas controlling the diaphragm
- Certain medications, particularly those used to treat anxiety or nausea
Can pregnancy cause hiccups? Yes, pregnant women may experience an increase in hiccups due to the growing uterus putting pressure on the diaphragm and changes in eating habits.
Effective Home Remedies and Techniques to Stop Hiccups
While hiccups often resolve on their own, several home remedies and techniques can help alleviate them more quickly:
- Hold your breath for 10-15 seconds, then exhale slowly
- Drink a glass of water quickly
- Swallow a teaspoon of granulated sugar
- Gently pull on your tongue
- Use the Valsalva maneuver: try to exhale while keeping your mouth closed and pinching your nose
- Breathe into a paper bag for a short period
- Eat a small piece of ice
- Gargle with ice-cold water
Do these remedies always work? While these techniques can be effective for many people, their success rate varies. If one method doesn’t work, try another or combine multiple approaches.
When Hiccups Become a Medical Concern: Persistent and Intractable Cases
While most hiccup episodes are brief and harmless, persistent or intractable hiccups can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Persistent hiccups last more than 48 hours, while intractable hiccups continue for more than a month.
Conditions that may cause prolonged hiccups include:
- Central nervous system disorders
- Infections
- Tumors
- Metabolic disorders
- Certain medications
When should you seek medical attention for hiccups? If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, interfere with eating, sleeping, or breathing, or are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
Diagnosing the Underlying Causes of Chronic Hiccups
When chronic hiccups become a concern, healthcare providers may perform various diagnostic tests to identify any underlying causes. These may include:
- Blood tests to check for infections or metabolic imbalances
- Imaging studies such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to examine the diaphragm and surrounding structures
- Endoscopy to evaluate the esophagus and stomach
- Neurological exams to assess brain function
How do doctors determine the cause of chronic hiccups? Doctors will typically start with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Based on these findings, they may order specific tests to pinpoint the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Medical Treatments for Persistent Hiccups: From Medications to Interventions
When home remedies fail to alleviate persistent hiccups, medical interventions may be necessary. Treatment options can include:
- Medications:
- Baclofen – a muscle relaxant
- Chlorpromazine – an antipsychotic that can help reduce hiccups
- Metoclopramide – used to treat nausea and can help with hiccups
- Gabapentin – an anti-epileptic drug that may be effective for some cases
- Nerve blocks: Injecting anesthetics to block the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm
- Surgical interventions: In rare, severe cases, surgery to disable the phrenic nerve may be considered
Are there any potential side effects of these treatments? As with any medical intervention, these treatments can have side effects. It’s crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment for chronic hiccups.
Preventing Hiccups: Lifestyle Changes and Precautions
While it’s not always possible to prevent hiccups, certain lifestyle changes and precautions can help reduce their frequency:
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
- Avoid carbonated beverages or drink them slowly
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
- Maintain good posture, especially while eating
- Avoid foods that trigger acid reflux if you’re prone to it
Can dietary changes help prevent hiccups? For some individuals, identifying and avoiding trigger foods can significantly reduce the occurrence of hiccups. Keeping a food diary may help pinpoint specific triggers.
The Role of Stress in Hiccup Occurrence
Stress and anxiety can sometimes trigger hiccups or exacerbate their frequency. The connection between stress and hiccups isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed that stress can affect the nerves controlling the diaphragm, leading to spasms.
Some stress-reduction techniques that may help prevent stress-induced hiccups include:
- Regular exercise
- Mindfulness practices
- Adequate sleep
- Time management strategies
- Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional
How effective are stress-reduction techniques in preventing hiccups? While individual responses may vary, many people find that managing stress levels can lead to a decrease in hiccup episodes, particularly for those who experience stress-triggered hiccups frequently.
Hiccups in Special Populations: Children, Elderly, and Pregnant Women
Hiccups can affect people of all ages, but certain populations may experience them differently or require special considerations:
Hiccups in Children
Children, especially infants, may experience hiccups more frequently than adults. This is often due to:
- Swallowing air while feeding
- Eating or drinking too quickly
- Excitement or crying
For most children, hiccups are harmless and resolve on their own. However, if hiccups are frequent or causing distress, it’s best to consult a pediatrician.
Hiccups in the Elderly
Older adults may be more prone to chronic hiccups due to:
- Increased likelihood of underlying medical conditions
- Side effects from medications
- Changes in swallowing mechanisms
Persistent hiccups in the elderly should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
Hiccups During Pregnancy
Pregnant women may experience an increase in hiccups due to:
- Pressure from the growing uterus on the diaphragm
- Hormonal changes affecting digestion
- Increased instances of acid reflux
While usually harmless, persistent hiccups during pregnancy should be discussed with an obstetrician to ensure there are no underlying concerns.
Are there safe remedies for hiccups during pregnancy? Many of the standard home remedies for hiccups are safe during pregnancy, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatments.
The Impact of Hiccups on Quality of Life: When to Seek Professional Help
While occasional hiccups are a normal part of life, chronic or severe hiccups can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Persistent hiccups can lead to:
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Sleep disturbances
- Speech impediments
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Social embarrassment
When should you consider seeking professional help for hiccups? It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if:
- Hiccups persist for more than 48 hours
- They interfere with daily activities, eating, or sleeping
- You experience pain or discomfort along with hiccups
- Hiccups are accompanied by other concerning symptoms
- You have frequent recurrent episodes of hiccups
Can chronic hiccups be a sign of a serious condition? While rare, persistent hiccups can sometimes be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as tumors, infections, or neurological disorders. Professional evaluation can help rule out these possibilities and provide appropriate treatment.
The Psychological Impact of Chronic Hiccups
The psychological toll of chronic hiccups should not be underestimated. Individuals suffering from persistent hiccups may experience:
- Frustration and irritability
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Reduced work productivity
- Decreased overall well-being
How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of chronic hiccups? Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial. Additionally, joining support groups or online communities for individuals with chronic hiccups can provide a sense of understanding and shared experience.
In conclusion, while hiccups are usually a minor nuisance, understanding their causes, remedies, and potential implications can help individuals manage them more effectively. By recognizing when hiccups may be a sign of a more serious condition and seeking appropriate medical attention, individuals can ensure their overall health and well-being are maintained. Remember, if hiccups are causing significant distress or interfering with daily life, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
Hiccups – Better Health Channel
Summary
Read the full fact sheet
- Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm.
- Hiccups are usually harmless and resolve by themselves after a few minutes.
- In some cases, prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders.
Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large sheet of muscle slung beneath the lungs that, together with the intercostal muscles, causes us to breathe. The muscular spasm of these muscles sucks air into the lungs, and the quick inhalation makes a structure inside the throat (called the epiglottis) slam shut. (The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that closes over the windpipe during swallowing to prevent the inhalation of food, fluids or saliva.) This sharp closure of the epiglottis causes the characteristic ‘hic’ sound of hiccups.
Generally, hiccups resolve by themselves after a few minutes, but prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders. Certain drugs, including epilepsy medications, can make a person more prone to hiccups.
Symptoms of hiccups
The symptoms of hiccups include:
- A sharp contraction or spasm of the diaphragm that is felt just below the breastbone.
- Air is involuntarily sucked into the throat.
- The closing epiglottis makes a ‘hic’ sound.
- Hiccups usually stop after a few minutes.
Cause of hiccups
The muscular activity of the diaphragm is controlled by nerves. Hiccups occur when particular stimuli trigger the nerves to send the diaphragm into spasms. It is not known why this occurs.
Triggers of hiccups
The cause of hiccups is often unknown and there may be no apparent trigger. Various triggers, particularly those that cause pressure on the diaphragm, are known to prompt an attack of hiccups in some people from time to time. Some of these triggers include:
- Eating food too quickly
- Hot or spicy foods
- Indigestion
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Fizzy drinks
- Cigarette smoking
- Stress
- Bad odours
- Pregnancy.
Self-help strategies
Hiccups are harmless and usually resolve by themselves in a few minutes. Some hiccup ‘cures’ include:
- Hold your breath
- Take deep breaths
- Breathe into a paper bag
- Eat a bit of fresh ginger
- Suck on a lemon
- Have a hot water and honey drink
- Eat a spoonful of sugar
- Drink a glass of water slowly
- Eat ice
- Gargle
- Sit down and lean forward over your knees
- Ask someone to give you a fright.
Hiccups may be symptomatic of disease
Hiccups that last for days, weeks or even years may be symptomatic of underlying disease. Certain lung or brain disorders can sometimes interfere with the functioning of the diaphragm and make the person prone to hiccups. Hiccups may also be a side effect of surgery or particular medications.
Some of the diseases, conditions and drugs that may prompt frequent or prolonged attacks of hiccups include:
- Oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus)
- An overactive thyroid gland
- Pleurisy (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs)
- Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)
- Kidney disease
- Brain damage, such as stroke or tumour, that affects the area of the brain which controls the diaphragm
- Abdominal surgery
- Chest surgery
- Certain epilepsy medications
- Nicotine gum
Medical treatment
Prolonged hiccups should be medically investigated. Treatment options may include:
- Treatment for the underlying disorder
- Changes to current drug dosages
- Switching to another form of nicotine therapy
- Anti-spasmodic drugs to calm the diaphragm
- A tube inserted into the nose (nasogastric intubation)
- A nerve block
- Surgery, to sever some of the nerves servicing the diaphragm.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
Things to remember
- Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm.
- Hiccups are usually harmless and resolve by themselves after a few minutes.
- In some cases, prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:
Hiccups – Better Health Channel
Summary
Read the full fact sheet
- Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm.
- Hiccups are usually harmless and resolve by themselves after a few minutes.
- In some cases, prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders.
Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large sheet of muscle slung beneath the lungs that, together with the intercostal muscles, causes us to breathe. The muscular spasm of these muscles sucks air into the lungs, and the quick inhalation makes a structure inside the throat (called the epiglottis) slam shut. (The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that closes over the windpipe during swallowing to prevent the inhalation of food, fluids or saliva.) This sharp closure of the epiglottis causes the characteristic ‘hic’ sound of hiccups.
Generally, hiccups resolve by themselves after a few minutes, but prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders. Certain drugs, including epilepsy medications, can make a person more prone to hiccups.
Symptoms of hiccups
The symptoms of hiccups include:
- A sharp contraction or spasm of the diaphragm that is felt just below the breastbone.
- Air is involuntarily sucked into the throat.
- The closing epiglottis makes a ‘hic’ sound.
- Hiccups usually stop after a few minutes.
Cause of hiccups
The muscular activity of the diaphragm is controlled by nerves. Hiccups occur when particular stimuli trigger the nerves to send the diaphragm into spasms. It is not known why this occurs.
Triggers of hiccups
The cause of hiccups is often unknown and there may be no apparent trigger. Various triggers, particularly those that cause pressure on the diaphragm, are known to prompt an attack of hiccups in some people from time to time. Some of these triggers include:
- Eating food too quickly
- Hot or spicy foods
- Indigestion
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Fizzy drinks
- Cigarette smoking
- Stress
- Bad odours
- Pregnancy.
Self-help strategies
Hiccups are harmless and usually resolve by themselves in a few minutes. Some hiccup ‘cures’ include:
- Hold your breath
- Take deep breaths
- Breathe into a paper bag
- Eat a bit of fresh ginger
- Suck on a lemon
- Have a hot water and honey drink
- Eat a spoonful of sugar
- Drink a glass of water slowly
- Eat ice
- Gargle
- Sit down and lean forward over your knees
- Ask someone to give you a fright.
Hiccups may be symptomatic of disease
Hiccups that last for days, weeks or even years may be symptomatic of underlying disease. Certain lung or brain disorders can sometimes interfere with the functioning of the diaphragm and make the person prone to hiccups. Hiccups may also be a side effect of surgery or particular medications.
Some of the diseases, conditions and drugs that may prompt frequent or prolonged attacks of hiccups include:
- Oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus)
- An overactive thyroid gland
- Pleurisy (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs)
- Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)
- Kidney disease
- Brain damage, such as stroke or tumour, that affects the area of the brain which controls the diaphragm
- Abdominal surgery
- Chest surgery
- Certain epilepsy medications
- Nicotine gum
Medical treatment
Prolonged hiccups should be medically investigated. Treatment options may include:
- Treatment for the underlying disorder
- Changes to current drug dosages
- Switching to another form of nicotine therapy
- Anti-spasmodic drugs to calm the diaphragm
- A tube inserted into the nose (nasogastric intubation)
- A nerve block
- Surgery, to sever some of the nerves servicing the diaphragm.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
Things to remember
- Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm.
- Hiccups are usually harmless and resolve by themselves after a few minutes.
- In some cases, prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:
Why does a person hiccup?
Andrei85
06/02/2006 17:13Answer
First read article on this site and I love it. 🙂
Reply
Dimidrol
07/18/2006 17:19Answer
Informatively written! I knew about the contractions of the diaphragm, but for the first time I learned about the fact that these contractions relieve the load from the damaged vagus nerve! Thanks for the detailed answer! I’m starting to like this site more and more!
Reply
michus
09/11/2006 09:22Answer
But breathing into a bag, creating an excess of carbon dioxide, helps radically.
Reply
Altolm
michus 12.09.2006 16:09Answer
In my childhood, at the age of 9-12, I used to hiccup for whole days in a row and nothing helped, except for a qualitative, unexpected fright. All the methods listed in the note did not work. Later, I found / collected several effective ways to deal with hiccups, but I have not heard of breathing into a bag, I’ll try. Thank you!
By the way, I read the first effective way in the magazine “Chemistry and Life” – The way of ballerinas: put your hands behind your back, take them as far as possible (like on a rack), bend over as much as possible and drink cool water in small sips (here you will need an assistant). They will always help, but it is difficult to cope alone.
There are methods associated with general or local relaxation, but experience is needed here.Reply
Gamble
michus 23.09.2006 22:22Answer
The package actually reduces the amount of oxygen by replacing carbon dioxide.
But they are used not from hiccups, but from the so-called. hyperventilation, nervous strain.Reply
michus
Gamble 25. 09.2006 22:22Answer
But it helps me.
Reply
rena
Gamble 26.09.2006 16:43Answer
in general, those who have hysteria are given to breathe into the bag. With frequent, shallow breathing, respiratory alkalosis (an imbalance of acid-base balance) is formed.
Reply
Anna
30.01.2007 21:50
Answer
Eating something sweet helps with hiccups, other methods are ineffective for me.
Reply
Kirill N. Kravchenko
19.02.2007 22:35
Answer
Judging by what is written here, these are questions of human anatomy. Sometimes there are also surgical cases.
Reply
klinkoff
04/01/2007 20:56
Answer
This theory is supported when there are structural changes in this area (hiatus), but there are other reasons as well. More often, hiccups of central origin, as a result of incorrect impulses of the respiratory center, which is well confirmed by the help option with the package. This allows you to “reload” the respiratory center, and achieve normal coordination of the respiratory muscles, to which the diaphragm belongs. A somewhat modified version of the “package”, but more effective from experience, is to hold the breath with a moderate amount of air in the lungs, do 10-15 squats, and then start to slowly inhale through the nose, avoiding sharp deep breaths, forming a normal rhythm and volume of breathing.
Reply
alexsb
28.04.2007 16:27
Answer
!
Reply
alexsb
28.04.2007 16:32
Answer
yes it’s all good! But what about when you are lying in bed in a relaxed position and suddenly this hiccups begin! And by the way, nothing except Corvalol helps. I also heard that a spasm can go to the stomach and heart, my grandfather once hiccupped for 2 days, nothing helped, and my grandmother didn’t know what to do, it’s good that they are educated people and there was Tebet medicine in the library in one of the sections there was information that it is necessary to paste well the inside of both hands from the wrist to the elbow, she did it and after 30 minutes everything calmed down! but for me personally it is Corvalol!
Reply
popov
06/14/2007 08:27
Answer
And where does this opinion come from, that if a small child hiccups, then he is cold or froze?
Reply
entropy
08/30/2007 18:42
Answer
And my child starts to hiccup when he laughs 😉 At least don’t laugh at all.
And he hiccupped for a very long time (half an hour!) and very often when he was in my stomach (during the last months of pregnancy). Was there no way to help him at all?
Reply
ayscha
07/03/2008 12:36
Answer
And I often start hiccuping after laughing!! How can this be explained?? How can this vagus nerve be affected during laughter? 🙂
Reply
Master
10.07.2008 18:48
Answer
Hiccups, like stretching, are an unconditioned reflex of the body to its internal problems. Hiccups can be caused by obstruction of food from the stomach to the intestines. (When hiccups, the body turns the contents of the stomach, trying to push it into the intestines.)
The causes of obstruction may be different, but, usually, hiccoughs are caused by malnutrition. Often hiccups are relieved by a couple of glasses of water. Water thins the contents of the stomach, helping it pass into the intestines.
Hiccups can be caused by an infection that causes inflammation and ulceration in the stomach and intestines. Inflammation narrows the passage from the stomach to the intestines, which causes obstruction, and, as a result, hiccups.
Infection gets into the stomach, usually from unwashed glasses. It starts in the saliva that we leave on the glass when we drink from it. Conclusion: you need to follow the rule of hygiene.
In addition, boiled water suppresses the intestinal microflora, which allows an infection that does not meet competition to multiply in our body.
Conclusion: you need to drink more water, and raw water.
Reply
Form
Master 21.09.2008 20:20Answer
“boiled water suppresses the intestinal microflora … you need to drink more raw water” – complete nonsense
Reply
Master
Form 22.09.2008 12:16Answer
Do you know the difference between boiled water and raw water?
One weekend they show two programs about animals: “In the world of animals” and “dialogues about animals” by Ivan Zatevakhin, and in both they show the same monkeys – baboons.
In the first broadcast, the zookeeper complains, complains that these monkeys are prone to infectious diseases (they have constant diarrhea), and they (the zookeepers) are forced to thoroughly wash food and give the monkeys boiled water to drink.
In the second broadcast, the same baboons in nature at the equator drink from a “hoof” (from puddles that form in the tracks left by the cattle of local residents).
Imagine that “broth” of different unicellular organisms in these puddles in order to understand the obvious contradiction.
This is explained as follows: the monkeys that live in the zoo have an imbalance in the intestinal microflora, and the zookeepers are to blame for this, they are to blame for giving the monkeys boiled water.
Why does boiled water cause dysbacteriosis?
The fact is that: if you heat water to (approximately) 70C, then all the dissolved air will leave it. This is what boiled water differs from raw water, and it is the absence of dissolved air that leads to an imbalance in the microflora in the intestines, since not all the unicellular bacteria we need in the intestines are anaerobic bacteria.
The gentleman, who introduced himself on the ‘Form’ forum, states:
‘”boiled water suppresses the intestinal microflora … you need to drink more raw water” – complete nonsense’, but at the same time he refused to answer this question of mine (about boiled water). Obviously – does not know the answer.
Mister Form, you make statements, the categoricalness of which is based not on your qualifications as a scientist, but on a greatly inflated conceit.Reply
ursus russus
Master 25.05.200913:51Answer
Ie, for example, do you think hot tea causes dysbacteriosis?
Reply
ursus russus
Master 25.05.2009 13:54Answer
Ie, for example, do you think hot tea causes dysbacteriosis?
Reply
Master
ursusrussus 05/26/200900:17Answer
If you will consume exclusively boiled (and boiled) foods, then you are guaranteed dysbacteriosis. But take comfort – but the worms in your intestines will not start up, because they breathe with the skin, and if oxygen does not enter the intestines with food, then they will not be able to live in your intestines. If you have these parasites, then drink boiled water, and the worms will leave themselves.
It is very harmful to eat food containing preservatives, because preservatives (very effectively) kill the intestinal microflora. Silver cutlery and dishes are also harmful, for the same reason.Reply
Seagull_JL
Master 11.08.2009 23:07Answer
The concept of dysbacteriosis is unscientific. It is absent in ICD-10. The rest of the conclusions in this post also have nothing to do with reality.
Reply
djanubis
Master 28.09.2009 16:30Answer
Oddly enough, silver appliances only kill DISEASE-causing microbes.
And if you have worms, then firstly don’t kiss your dog, and secondly, drink a tincture of hazelnut leaves and wormwood. As for doses, I don’t know.Reply
bazik
04.01.2009 14:56
Answer
A wonderful section, I will definitely need to replenish it when I talk with the children more … =)
I sometimes hiccup if I smoke. Don’t smoke though…
Reply
Evgen.m
24.07.2009 23:45
Answer
As a rule, hiccups only after excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, only sleep helps.
Reply
qwertyuiop
31.01.2010 16:04
Answer
The dumbest answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Reply
Saloed
10. 02.2010 14:45
Answer
I tried almost all methods against hiccups, until (perhaps by accident) I found a method that was 100% effective – the gag reflex. Two fingers in the mouth, there is a strong tension (which I won’t say), which should push out the contents of the stomach, but I don’t bring it to vomiting and that’s it, the hiccups are gone. I’ve only used it on myself, I don’t know how it will work on others.
Reply
samara
27.01.2011 01:55
Answer
God, what nonsense. vagus nerve yes ..))
but the matter is in the middle part of the brain, there is excitation to the reflex spasm of the diaphragm.
..as they say “it’s all in my head”
Reply
brown fox
13.12.2012 15:34
Answer
Origin of hiccups
Human EZI has shown that the fetal diaphragm produces movements similar to hiccups. As a result, fluid circulation occurs. filling the lumen of future airways. The need for this is unknown, the authors of the study assume that in this way they are preparing for breathing after birth.
It can also be assumed that hiccups in children, which disappear with age, are the result of a gradual but insufficient inhibition of the stem reflex that has become unnecessary, activated by various mechanical factors. This explains the effect described here with irritation of the vagus, and cases that do not fit into this scheme.
In any case, this is how I roughly explain to students in my department of physiology of the 2nd medical school.
Reply
Kostja
11.09.2020 15:06
Answer
I read that tadpoles inherited hiccups – they quickly close their throats so as not to choke. Whom to believe?
Reply
Write a comment
Hiccups: what to do
Hiccups is a non-specific disturbance of the function of external respiration, which occurs as a result of a series of convulsive jerky contractions of the diaphragm and is subjectively manifested by unpleasant short and intense respiratory movements. It occurs occasionally in healthy people for no apparent reason and is usually a harmless, quickly ending phenomenon.
Figure 1. Mechanism of hiccups. Image: rob3000 / Depositphotos
Under what circumstances does hiccups occur?
Hiccups may occur under the following circumstances:
General cooling (especially in young children), especially when intoxicated.
When the stomach is overdistended (overfilled with food). According to experts, such involuntary muscle contractions may come from the esophagus. Swallowing problems and food getting stuck in the esophagus cause spasms where the esophagus meets the stomach.
With irritation of the phrenic nerve. The so-called “normal” hiccups are manifestations of a nervous tic. This occurs under the influence of the phrenic nerve, which, for unknown reasons, transmits excitation to the muscles of the diaphragm. The result is uncontrollable spasms.
Photo: actiongp / freepik. com
Can hiccups be a symptom of disease?
Hiccups can also be a symptom of certain diseases, for example, in the case of irritation of the diaphragm during an inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity. Sometimes it becomes long and painful. Hiccups occur with some diseases of the brain and spinal cord, and can also be observed with myocardial infarction, infectious diseases and mental agitation.
What to do with prolonged hiccups?
In cases of prolonged, persistent hiccups, you should consult a doctor who will determine its cause and prescribe treatment. With the development of renal failure, constant or intermittent hiccups may also be observed. It is the result of the development of an abscess or tumor in the chest, diaphragm or esophagus. In some people, hiccups occur due to psychological reasons, it resembles reactions with transient paralysis in soldiers who are afraid of battle. In such cases, hiccups are unconscious and reflect a desire to avoid very unpleasant events. Some individuals experience hiccups in the postoperative period, which may be a reaction to pain medications.
What is the reason for this phenomenon?
Despite significant advances in medicine over the years, there is still no reliable cure for these minor spasms that cause a person to emit obscene sounds, like a street boozer.
Don’t worry, there are several ways to solve this problem.
How to get rid of hiccups?
Photo: superpicture / freepik.com
To get rid of hiccups, you need to stop spasms of the diaphragm and esophagus. This can be done either by distraction or by breathing techniques. Usually this is sufficient.
What if the hiccups still persist?
Lemon will help get rid of hiccups. Photo: jenoche / freepik.com
When your hiccups persist, you make great efforts to make them disappear. You focus on your chest and consciously tighten your diaphragm. But by straining and trying to suppress the next bout of hiccups you expect, you only complicate the situation. Below we recommend you more correct tricks.
- Swallow a small amount of something bitter or sour. When something unusual enters the digestive system, spasms usually go away: try sucking on a piece of lemon.
- Try to suppress the hiccups by reflex. Place your finger on the wall of the throat as if you were about to induce vomiting. However, in fact, you do not need to bring your actions to such an extent. In this way, you can interrupt the established hiccup rhythm.
- Try to kill hiccups with water. If you drink a large glass of water in small sips at a measured pace, you can stop hiccups. In this way, food residues are washed off from the lower part of the pharynx and, possibly, their irritating effect on the nerve passing in this area is eliminated.
- Drink water in an inclined position of the torso. The upside down position offers a completely new approach to the treatment of hiccups. Bend your torso over the sink and begin to drink water from a glass moved as far away from you as possible.
- Use the sudden startle method, for example startle the victim of hiccups with a sudden pop of an inflated bag or a loud shout. This can instantly stop the spasm.
- Try the folk method with thread. Hispanic South Texas residents use a popular technique to interrupt hiccups with a red thread or strip of cloth. They are tied around the child’s head in the forehead at the level of the bridge of the nose. Perhaps the child directs his eyes to the thread and thus switches his attention. And this is just what you need to stop hiccups.
- Sweeten the pill. Sprinkle some granulated sugar on the back of the tongue and swallow it, you can stir a spoonful of granulated sugar in a small amount of beer and drink this mixture.
- Hold on to your tongue. The next time you have hiccups, open your mouth wide, take your tongue, pull it slightly and hold it for a few seconds. This method of treating hiccups was preferred by President Kennedy’s personal physician.
- Bet Money is a favorite remedy of some doctors and they say has never failed in cases of normal hiccups. When someone hiccups, take out the money, put it on the table, and make a bet with that person that he or she won’t be able to hiccup the next minute. This person can’t really hiccup another time without losing the bet.
You can stop hiccups by drinking water in an inclined position of the torso. Photo: goffkein / freepik.com
Once you stop trying to stop the hiccups, a whole host of other muscles come into play and the spasms disappear.
In which cases should I get tested?
Examination is necessary in the following cases:
- if the hiccups last more than an hour;
- if attacks of hiccups occur several times a day or several days a week;
- if, in addition to hiccups, you have chest pain, heartburn, or trouble swallowing.
How does the elimination of hiccups proceed in this case?
If your hiccups are very frequent or persist for a long time, your doctor may order an x-ray after you take barium to look for any obstruction in your esophagus. To eliminate hiccups that are permanent and not associated with any mechanical obstruction in the esophagus, the doctor may prescribe certain medications, depending on what your disorders are related to.
An interesting fact is that Charles Osborne of Anton, Iowa, USA, began to hiccup in 1922. He led a normal life, was married twice and had 8 children, and stopped hiccuping in 1990 (Guinness Book of Records).
Marina Apryatkina
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