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14 Most Common Triggers Of Hiccups And Quick Tips To Get Rid Of 'Em
Hiccups are common, and almost everyone has experienced them at some point. The medical term for hiccup is singultus, derived from the Latin word 'singult', which means to catch one's breath while sobbing.
A hiccup is a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm (a dome-shaped muscle used during breathing is located just below the heart and lungs) and intercostal muscles (a group of muscles situated in between the ribs of the chest wall that assist with the breathing process). Each contraction is followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces the 'hic' sound during a hiccup [1].
Hiccups can occur in children, infants, adults, and even a fetus still in the womb. It usually lasts for a few minutes and goes away within 48 hours [2].
What Causes Hiccups? Know The Common Triggers
A variety of factors can cause hiccups. There is, however, no definitive list of triggers. In many cases, hiccups occur for no apparent reason [3].
Common triggers of hiccups may include the following [4]:
1.
Eating
too
much.
2.
Consuming
spicy
food.
3.
Consuming
alcohol.
4.
Drinking
carbonated
beverages,
like
sodas.
5.
Consuming
very
hot
or
icy
foods.
6.
A
sudden
change
in
air
temperature.
7.
Aerophagia
(swallowing
too
much
air).
8.
Swallowing
air
while
chewing
gum.
9.
Excitement
or
emotional
stress.
10.
Certain
medications.
11.
A
condition
in
which
the
nerves
that
control
the
diaphragm
are
irritated
(such
as
liver
disease
or
pneumonia).
12.
Surgery
on
the
abdomen
can
also
irritate
the
nerves
controlling
the
diaphragm,
resulting
in
hiccups.
13.
Strokes
and
brain
tumours
that
affect
the
brain
stem
and
some
chronic
medical
problems
(such
as
renal
failure)
have
been
reported
to
cause
hiccups.
14.
Excessive
exposure
to
toxic
fumes
can
also
cause
hiccups.
The following medications may also cause hiccups as a side effect [5]:
- Medications for acid reflux
- Most benzodiazepines, including diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam
- Levodopa, nicotine, and ondansetron
Several factors can increase your chances of developing hiccups. For example, you may be more susceptible if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Are male
- Have intense feelings, ranging from anxiety to excitement
- Have had surgery, especially abdominal surgery
- Have received general anaesthesia
When Should You Seek Medical Attention For Hiccups?
You should seek medical care in two scenarios.
First, if you experience hiccups for more than a couple of days, you should seek medical attention. It is imperative if the hiccups are keeping you from sleeping. Medications can help stop your hiccups if more traditional methods aren't working. In addition, if other medical causes are ruled out, your doctor may prescribe them [6].
Secondly, the onset of additional symptoms with hiccups is more critical than the duration [7].
If you experience symptoms like numbness, coordination issues, and hiccups, you should seek emergency care. This could indicate a stroke, which is serious and requires immediate treatment.
Quick Tips To Manage Hiccups At Home
Some of these treatments have not been proven to stop hiccups, but you can try the following potential treatments at home:
- Take a deep breath into a paper bag.
- Take a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- Hold your breath.
- Drink a glass of cold water.
- With a spoon, lift the fleshy piece of tissue at the back of your throat, the uvula.
- Purposefully gasp or belch.
- Pull on your tongue.
- Place your knees on your chest and hold this position.
- Exhale forcibly while closing your mouth and nose and performing the Valsalva manoeuvre.
- Breathe slowly and deeply.
On A Final Note...
Be aware of your body. If you experience any cardiovascular symptoms during the onset of hiccups, visit an emergency department and get evaluated right away. If you're not experiencing any other symptoms, give it a few days.
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