Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. The medical term for hiccups is 'singultus'. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates your abdomen from your chest and plays an important role in breathing. Each contraction is followed by a closure of the vocal cords. This sudden closure of the vocal cords produces the 'which sound. Anyone can get hiccups, they are often rhythmic. Hiccups can even occur in the fetus while still in utero.
Hiccups are classified into 3 types, based on the length of each attack
- Acute episodes: Lasts less than 48 hours.
- Persistent episodes: More than 2 days.
- Intractable hiccups: Longer than 1 month.
Babies and young children are much more likely to get hiccups than adults, they breathe in more air per pound of bodyweight than adults. Hiccuping itself is a symptom. A sharp spasm or contraction of the diaphragm is felt usually below the breastbone. Due to persistent and intractable hiccups, you may feel chest pain, shoulder pain, difficulty in eating and talking, overall it may interfere with your daily life activities.
Following are the causes of hiccup
In children:
When your child swallows too much air or eats too much food too fast.
when laughing too much.
By drinking carbonated beverages.
In adults:
Excitement.
Emotional stress.
Drinking too much alcohol.
Swallowing air with sucking on candy or chewing gum.
Sudden change in body temperature.
Gastroesophageal reflux (common for children and adults).
Other causes are:
Tumors.
Stroke.
Meningitis or encephalitis.
Sore throat.
Diabetes.
Barbiturates.
Kidney disease.
Steroids.
Electrolyte imbalance.
Anxiety, stress, surgery if abdominal organs are some risk factors of it
Have a look at some preventive measures of it
For children:
Try to feed them slowly.
Make a list and avoid some drinks and foods that trigger your baby.
Don't give them chewing gum or sucking candy.
For adults:
Eat slowly.
Avoid carbonated drinks.
Avoid spicy foods.
Limit your alcohol.
Quit smoking.
Hiccups will not harm you, in the majority of cases they go on their own. But they can be irritating and tiring.
Manage your hiccups with these tips
For children:
Tap or rub the back of the neck.
Give them cold water to drink.
Peppermint tea.
Holding a breath may help your kid.
Give them to suck something sour, such as lemon.
Get tickled.
For adults:
Swallow some sugar.
Pull on your knees up to your chest and lean forward.
By putting a couple of drops of vinegar in your mouth.
Drink a glass of warm water slowly, without breathing.
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