Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, often triggered by eating too fast, carbonated drinks, or excitement.
Why
Hiccups are involuntary diaphragm spasms. The vocal cords close suddenly, making the “hic” sound.
Triggers
- Eating too fast.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Alcohol.
- Sudden temperature change.
- Excitement or stress.
Duration
Usually minutes.
Remedies
Hold your breath, sip cold water or swallow sugar.
See a doctor
If hiccups last over 48 hours.
Record
Charles Osborne hiccupped for about 68 years.
Mechanism
A hiccup is an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which makes the “hic” sound. The reflex arc involves the phrenic and vagus nerves and a hiccup center in the brainstem. The purpose is unclear, and some scientists link it to fetal development, since fetuses hiccup in the womb.
- Common triggers include eating too fast, carbonated drinks, alcohol, spicy food, sudden temperature changes, excitement and stress.
- Most hiccups last a few minutes. Hiccups lasting over 48 hours are called persistent, and over 1 month intractable.
- Charles Osborne of Iowa hiccuped from 1922 to 1990, a Guinness World Record of about 68 years.
Remedies and when to see a doctor
Common remedies are holding the breath for 10 seconds, sipping cold water, swallowing a teaspoon of sugar and gentle pressure on the diaphragm, though evidence is limited. Persistent hiccups may signal reflux, stroke, brain tumor, kidney disease, medications such as steroids or chemotherapy. See a doctor for hiccups that last over 48 hours or interfere with eating, sleep or breathing. Treatments include chlorpromazine and baclofen.
Mechanism
A hiccup is an involuntary diaphragm spasm followed by sudden closing of the vocal cords. Triggers include eating fast, carbonated drinks, alcohol, excitement and stomach distension.
Remedies and when to see a doctor
Holding breath, sipping water or swallowing sugar may help. See a doctor if hiccups last over 48 hours, which may reflect nerve irritation or illness.
What causes hiccups
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which makes the hic sound. Triggers include eating too quickly, carbonated drinks, alcohol, hot or spicy food, sudden temperature changes, excitement and stress. The phrenic and vagus nerves are involved.
Stopping them and when to worry
Common home remedies are holding the breath for 10 seconds, sipping cold water, swallowing a teaspoon of sugar or breathing into a paper bag. Most episodes end within minutes to hours. Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours are called persistent, and more than a month intractable, and may signal nervous system, metabolic or gastrointestinal disease, or medication effects. Doctors can use chlorpromazine or baclofen. See a doctor if hiccups interfere with eating, sleeping or breathing. A man named Charles Osborne hiccupped for about 68 years, according to Guinness.
Based on data from the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic
