Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, followed by a sudden closure of the voice cords, resulting in the “hic” sound. Hiccups are common among people of all ages and ethnicities. While hiccups are usually harmless and temporary, persistent ones lasting more than 48 hours may indicate an underlying health problem. Let’s look at what hiccups are and why they occur.
The Mechanism Behind Hiccups
The diaphragm is a large muscle beneath the lungs that allows people to breathe. When it suddenly tightens up by accident, it immediately draws in air. The sudden pull might cause the vocal cords to close quickly, producing the “hic” sound. The vocal cords are little flaps in the throat that open and close when people speak or generate sounds. So, as the diaphragm contracts, the voice chords close quickly, resulting in the typical hiccup noise.
Causes of Hiccups
- Drinking cold beverages or eating extremely hot foods might irritate the diaphragm and produce hiccups.
- Consuming spicy foods might irritate the stomach lining, resulting in hiccups as a reflex response.
- The bubbles in carbonated drinks can grow in the stomach, causing it to spread and perhaps producing hiccups.
- Eating too much or too fast can cause the stomach to inflate rapidly, irritating the diaphragm and resulting in hiccups.
Other potential causes
- Strong emotions, such as excitement or stress can interrupt the diaphragm’s regular function and cause hiccups.
- Certain drugs, though less common, may include hiccups as a side effect, particularly those that affect the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract.
Dealing with Hiccups
Most hiccups resolve on their own without the need for medical treatment. However, several traditional home cures are frequently recommended, despite the fact that their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. These include briefly holding your breath, slowly sipping water, and gently drawing your legs to your chest. While these approaches may provide temporary relief for some people, it’s important to remember each person’s responses vary, and visiting a doctor for advice is recommended if the hiccups persist or become troublesome.
Summary
Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, which are frequently induced by circumstances such as rapid eating or abrupt excitement. These contractions lead the vocal cords to snap shut, resulting in the unique sound. While most hiccups are harmless and short-lived, persistent ones may require medical care for underlying concerns, though they normally go away on their own.
