Triggers of hiccups 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: Eating food too quickly Hot or spicy foods Indigestion Overconsumption of alcohol Fizzy drinks Cigarette smoking Stress Bad odours Pregnancy. Self-help strategies Hiccups are harmless and usually resolve by themselves in a few minutes.
Hiccups may be symptomatic of disease 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: Oesophagitis inflammation of the oesophagus An overactive thyroid gland Pleurisy inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs Pneumonia inflammation of the lungs Kidney disease Brain damage, such as stroke or tumour, that affects the area of the brain which controls the diaphragm Abdominal surgery Chest surgery Certain epilepsy medications Nicotine gum Medical treatment Prolonged hiccups should be medically investigated.
Treatment options may include: 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 Surgery, to sever some of the nerves servicing the diaphragm.
Where to get help Your doctor Things to remember Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm. Hiccups are usually harmless and resolve by themselves after a few minutes. In some cases, prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be symptomatic of underlying disorders.
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The bottom line. Read this next. Immediately after this, the windpipe closes for a moment to prevent more air from entering the lungs.
The stomach, which is directly below the diaphragm, becomes distended. This irritates the diaphragm and causes it to contract, as it does when we breathe in. Sometimes, hiccups occur due to a disturbance in the nerve pathways that lead from the brain to the muscles between the ribs. Sometimes, an episode of hiccups can last for longer than 2 months.
Hiccups can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. For example, they are a common occurrence in gastroesophageal disease. Some people with cancer might also experience frequent hiccups.
This may be due to their symptoms or some aspects of their treatment plan. A wide range of other conditions can increase the likelihood of hiccups, including:. Infections : Examples include shingles , herpes simplex, and malaria. Ear, nose, and throat problems : Examples include cough, having a hair in the throat, and recent intubation. Respiratory conditions : Examples include pneumonia , asthma , and bronchitis.
Metabolic disorders : Examples include diabetes , uremia, and hyponatremia. Cardiovascular disorders : Examples include heart attack and pericarditis. Learn more about what hiccups are and why they happen here. People use a number of remedies for curing short term hiccups. Some of these are useful, but others are not.
Here are some that may help :. Breathing into a paper bag can halt the spasms by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the lungs and relaxing the diaphragm. However, people should not put the bag over their head. Learn more about how to get rid of hiccups here.
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