Hiccups
Hiccups is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen and plays an important role in breathing.
Hiccups are common and can affect anyone.
Causes of Hiccups
Basic causes
The most common triggers for hiccups that last less than 48 hours include:
- ➲Drinking carbonated beverages
- ➲Drinking too much alcohol
- ➲Eating too much
- ➲Excitement or emotional stress
- ➲Sudden temperature changes
- ➲Swallowing air with chewing gum or sucking on candy
Serious causes
Hiccups that last more than 48 hours may be caused by a variety of factors, which can be grouped into the following categories.
Nerve damage or irritation
A cause of long-term hiccups is damage to or irritation of the vagus nerves or phrenic nerves, which serve the diaphragm muscle. Factors that may cause damage or irritation to these nerves include:
- ➲A hair or something else in your ear touching your eardrum
- ➲A tumour, cyst or Goitre in your neck
- ➲Gastroesophageal reflux
- ➲Sore throat or laryngitis
Central nervous system disorders
A tumour or infection in your central nervous system or damage to your central nervous system as a result of trauma can disrupt your body's normal control of the hiccup reflex. Examples include:
- ➲Encephalitis
- ➲Meningitis
- ➲Multiple sclerosis
- ➲Stroke
- ➲Traumatic brain injury
- ➲Tumours
Home Care
Most cases of hiccups resolve on their own.
Breath-holding and drinking a glass of water are common ways to stop hiccups.
Medications are only given as treatment for severe and persistent hiccups that do not resolve
