Hiccups, medically known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) or singultus, are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle followed by sudden closure of the vocal cords. This closure produces the characteristic “hic” sound. Hiccups are usually harmless and transient but can be annoying or uncomfortable if they persist.
Causes of Hiccups:
Swallowing Air: Eating or drinking too quickly, chewing gum, or drinking carbonated beverages can lead to swallowing air, which irritates the diaphragm and triggers hiccups.
Dietary Factors: Consuming spicy foods, hot liquids, or large meals can irritate the esophagus or stomach, leading to hiccups.
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): Acid reflux or heartburn can irritate the diaphragm and trigger hiccups.
Emotional Stress or Excitement: Anxiety, stress, or excitement can stimulate the vagus nerve, which controls the diaphragm.
Temperature Changes: Sudden changes in temperature, such as exposure to cold air or drinking hot beverages, can trigger hiccups.
Alcohol or Tobacco Use: Alcohol consumption or smoking can irritate the diaphragm and lead to hiccups.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as digestive disorders, neurological disorders, or metabolic disorders can cause chronic hiccups.
How to Stop Hiccups:
Hold Your Breath:
Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you comfortably can. This can help reset the rhythm of your diaphragm and stop hiccups.
Drink Water:
Sipping cold water slowly can help soothe the irritation in your esophagus and stop hiccups.
Swallow a Teaspoon of Sugar:
Eating a teaspoon of granulated sugar or honey can stimulate the vagus nerve and stop hiccups.
Breathe into a Paper Bag:
Breathing into a paper bag increases carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream, which can help relax the diaphragm and stop hiccups.
Gargle with Cold Water:
Gargling with cold water can stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt the hiccup reflex.
Pull Your Knees to Your Chest:
Lean forward and pull your knees to your chest to compress your diaphragm and stop hiccups.
Use a Hiccup Relief Maneuver:
There are various hiccup relief maneuvers, such as the Valsalva maneuver, which involves holding your nose and mouth closed while trying to exhale, or the “gag reflex” technique, which involves stimulating the back of your throat with a cotton swab.
Distract Yourself:
Engage in a distracting activity or focus on something else to take your mind off the hiccups.
When to See a Doctor:
Most cases of hiccups resolve on their own and do not require medical attention. However, you should consult a doctor if hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting, or if they interfere with your ability to sleep or eat. Persistent hiccups may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.