What are the causes of hiccups? What is it trying to tell you?

Hiccups (not the protagonist in How to Train Your Dragon series), also known as hiccoughs, happen when the diaphragm muscle beneath the lungs spasms involuntarily. This muscle, along with others between the ribs, helps us breathe. During hiccups, the diaphragm contracts suddenly, pulling air into the lungs, and this quick inhalation causes a flap of tissue in the throat called the epiglottis to close abruptly, creating the ‘hic’ sound.

Usually, hiccups go away on their own in a few minutes, but persistent hiccups lasting for days or weeks might indicate underlying health issues. Some medications, such as those used for epilepsy, can increase the likelihood of experiencing hiccups.

What are the causes of hiccups?

Hiccups, scientifically known as singultus, occur when the diaphragm, the large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a crucial role in breathing, contracts involuntarily. This contraction is followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic “hic” sound. While the exact cause of hiccups is not always clear, several common triggers include:

1. Eating too quickly or overeating: Consuming food or beverages rapidly can lead to swallowing air, which can irritate the diaphragm and trigger hiccups.
2. Drinking carbonated beverages: The carbonation in sodas and other fizzy drinks can distend the stomach and stimulate the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.
3. Consuming spicy or hot foods: Spicy or hot foods can irritate the oesophagus, leading to hiccups in some individuals.
4. Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can relax the muscles in the throat and stomach, leading to irritation and triggering hiccups.
5. Sudden changes in temperature: Extreme changes in temperature, such as consuming very hot or very cold foods or beverages, can stimulate the vagus nerve, which can lead to hiccups.
6. Emotional stress or excitement: Stress, anxiety, or excitement can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to hiccups.
7. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD): Acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, can irritate the diaphragm and trigger hiccups.

In most cases, hiccups are temporary and resolve on their own within a few minutes to hours. However, persistent or chronic hiccups lasting more than 48 hours may indicate an underlying medical condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

How can I stop my hiccups?

There are several methods you can try to stop hiccups:

1. Hold your breath: Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you comfortably can. This can help reset your diaphragm and stop the hiccups.
2. Drink water: Sipping cold water, juice, or drink that’s not carbonated can help stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt the hiccup reflex.
3. Breathe into a paper bag: Breathing into a paper bag increases carbon dioxide levels in your blood, which can help regulate breathing patterns and stop hiccups.
4. Gargle with water: Gargling with water can stimulate the back of your throat and interrupt the hiccup reflex.
5. Swallow a teaspoon of sugar: Swallowing a teaspoon of sugar can help stimulate the vagus nerve and stop hiccups.
6. Hold your knees to your chest: Lean forward and hug your knees to your chest for a few moments. This can help compress your diaphragm and interrupt the hiccup reflex.
7. Try the Valsalva manoeuvre: Close your mouth and pinch your nose shut while trying to exhale gently. This can help increase pressure in your chest and stop hiccups.
8. Suck on a lemon or taste vinegar: The sour taste can stimulate the nerves in your throat and interrupt the hiccup reflex.

What are hiccups trying to tell you?

Hiccups are generally harmless and are often considered a minor annoyance rather than a serious health concern. In most cases, hiccups occur spontaneously and resolve on their own within a few minutes to hours. However, persistent or chronic hiccups lasting more than 48 hours may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires further evaluation by a healthcare professional.

In rare cases, prolonged or frequent hiccups may be associated with underlying medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), respiratory disorders, nerve damage, or central nervous system disorders. Additionally, hiccups can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain medications or medical procedures.

While hiccups themselves are not typically a cause for alarm, it’s essential to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms or patterns of occurrence. If you experience persistent or chronic hiccups, or if your hiccups are accompanied by severe pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What I definitely should not do when I get hiccups?

When experiencing hiccups, there are certain things you should avoid to prevent making them worse or prolonging their duration:

1. Avoid consuming carbonated beverages: Drinking fizzy or carbonated drinks can exacerbate hiccups due to the increased intake of air.
2. Don’t eat too quickly: Eating rapidly can lead to swallowing air, which may trigger hiccups.
3. Avoid consuming large meals: Overeating can put pressure on the diaphragm and stomach, increasing the likelihood of hiccups.
4. Don’t consume spicy or hot foods: Spicy or hot foods can irritate the oesophagus and trigger hiccups in some individuals.
5. Avoid consuming alcohol: Alcohol can relax the muscles in the throat and stomach, potentially aggravating hiccups.
6. Don’t startle or scare yourself: Sudden shocks or surprises can sometimes worsen hiccups.
7. Avoid focusing too much on your hiccups: Obsessing over hiccups can lead to increased anxiety, which may exacerbate the condition.
8. Don’t ignore persistent hiccups: If hiccups persist for an extended period or are accompanied by severe pain or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.