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Why Do We Get Hiccups and How Can You Stop Them?
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cdteliot
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Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a muscle between the lungs and stomach, involuntarily contracts, causing a sudden intake of air that is quickly stopped by the closure of the vocal cords. While the exact cause isn't always clear, common triggers include eating too quickly, carbonated beverages, and sudden excitement.
Understanding Hiccups
osfhealthcare.org
Hiccups, medically known as singultus, are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by the abrupt closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the characteristic "hic" sound
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. This reflex involves a complex arc including afferent nerves like the phrenic and vagus nerves, central neurological pathways in the brain stem, and efferent nerves that signal the muscles to contract3
. Hiccups typically occur in cycles of 4 to 60 per minute and often involve the left hemidiaphragm more than the right4
. While usually harmless and self-resolving, persistent hiccups lasting more than 48 hours may indicate underlying medical conditions and warrant medical attention2
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. Interestingly, hiccups can occur in adults, children, infants, and even in utero, where they may play a role in respiratory muscle training4
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Common Hiccup Triggers
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Hiccups can be triggered by a variety of factors related to diet, emotions, physical conditions, and underlying medical issues. Here are some common causes of hiccups:
- Eating too quickly or overeating12
- Consuming spicy foods12
- Drinking carbonated beverages12
- Swallowing air while chewing gum or smoking3
- Sudden changes in temperature4
- Stress, excitement, or emotional distress24
- Drinking alcohol23
- Certain medications, including steroids and benzodiazepines45
- Medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), brain tumors, or infections45
- Abdominal surgery or procedures involving the diaphragm5
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Effective Hiccup Remedies
medicalnewstoday.com
Here are some of the most commonly recommended remedies for hiccups, based on anecdotal evidence and potential physiological effects:
- Hold your breath for 10-20 seconds
- Breathe into a paper bag
- Drink a glass of cold water quickly
- Swallow a teaspoon of granulated sugar
- Bite on a lemon slice or taste vinegar
- Gently pull on your tongue
- Gargle with ice water
- Sip water from the opposite side of a glass
- Hug your knees to your chest and lean forward
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. If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, consult a doctor as this may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical attention4
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The Role of the Diaphragm in Hiccups
mayoclinic.org
The diaphragm plays a central role in the hiccup reflex. Hiccups occur when the diaphragm involuntarily contracts, causing a sudden inhalation of air. This is immediately followed by the closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic "hic" sound
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. The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle separating the chest from the abdomen, is primarily responsible for breathing. During a hiccup, irritation or stimulation of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, can trigger these sudden contractions2
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. Interestingly, hiccups often involve only the left side of the diaphragm2
. The rapid contraction of the diaphragm, combined with the closure of the glottis, creates a sharp reduction in intra-thoracic pressure, which may serve an evolutionary purpose in removing swallowed air from the stomach, particularly in young mammals during feeding2
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Related
How does the diaphragm's contraction lead to the characteristic hiccup sound
What are the most common triggers for diaphragmatic contractions causing hiccups
Can stress or emotional responses influence the diaphragm's contraction
How do carbonated beverages contribute to hiccups
What role do the vagus and phrenic nerves play in hiccup reflex
