Hiccups
Hiccups
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.