What Causes Hiccups?   

by Sam Spencer

You've sensed this distress before. The well-known panic takes over you as you recognize the condition's attack. You hoped you would never have to deal with this once more. Your upper body convulses uncontrollably as it mercilessly buffets your upper body. Your mind races while you ask, How can this be happening another time? You wish for relief from its incessant punishment, but your sole option is to go through it. You've got the hiccups.

Hiccups can strike any one any time. They can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and just plain irritating. But what exactly are hiccups? What causes hiccups? And finally, how can you get rid of hiccups?


Hiccups, medically referred to as a synchronous diaphragmatic flutter or singultus, can be defined as an involuntary contraction of your diaphragm and rib muscles which results in a rapid breathing in of oxygen causing the epiglottis to rapidly close. The result is the well known noise. The diaphragm is the muscle separating the chest and stomach which aids breathing. Reasons that the diaphragm might abruptly and involuntarily contract include irritation of the phrenic nerve by the esophagus and the build up of stomach gasses beneath the diaphragm.

What could irritate the diaphragm or cause the build up of stomach gasses? Eating too much or too fast, consuming carbonated beverages, and consuming a large amount of alcohol can all be what causes hiccups. Additionally, what causes hiccups can be excitement or stress and some anesthesia administered before a surgical operation. Finally, abrupt changes of temperatures can bring about hiccups.

Quite a few solutions have been hypothesized on how to get rid of hiccups. From standing on your head to eating a spoonful of sugar, the supposed remedies are endless. There is no identified medical cure for hiccups, just hypotheses on what could show results. That void has kept the door wide open for many viable treatments. While there are no scientifically tested remedies, plenty of people swear by the hiccups cure they've used for years. If you suffer from an extreme case of the hiccups which lasts longer than a day, it is best to consult your medical professional for medical help. Prolonged hiccups can be a indication of a more significant hidden issue.

Hiccups are annoying at best, painful and humiliating at worst. Being aware what causes hiccups just might help you recognize hiccups cures from flops. Hopefully, next time the frightful condition of hiccups imprisons you, relief will come much faster.

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