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.
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
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
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: Pregnancy.
Hiccups are harmless and usually resolve by themselves in a few minutes. Some hiccup ‘cures’ include:
- Ask someone to give you a fright. 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:
- Brain damage such as stroke or tumour that affects the area of the brain which controls the diaphragm Prolonged hiccups should be medically investigated
Treatment options may include:
- Surgery
- to sever some of the nerves servicing the diaphragm. Hiccups
- or hiccoughs
- are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm. Hiccups are usually harmless
- resolve by themselves after a few minutes
In some cases, prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders. Symptoms of hiccups Cause of hiccups Triggers of hiccups Eating food too quickly Hot or spicy foods Indigestion Overconsumption of alcohol Fizzy drinks Cigarette smoking Stress Bad odours Self-help strategies 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 Hiccups may be symptomatic of disease Oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus) An overactive thyroid gland Pleurisy (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs) Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) Kidney disease Abdominal surgery Chest surgery Certain epilepsy medications Nicotine gum Medical treatment 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 Where to get help Your doctor Things to remember.
Key Points
- symptoms of hiccups include: A sharp contraction or spasm of the diaphragm that is felt just below the breastbone
- cause of hiccups is often unknown and there may be no apparent trigger
- Hiccups that last for days, weeks or even years may be symptomatic of underlying disease
- Treatment options may include: Surgery, to sever some of the nerves servicing the diaphragm
- In some cases, prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders