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Hiccups
Medical Questions » Hiccups
| Name: Hiccups |
| Also known as: Hiccoughs |
| Repetitive, annoying brief expulsions of air from the throat. |
Causes of Hiccups
Due to spasms of the diaphragm, a sheet of muscle that stretches across the body to separate the chest from the abdomen. When it contracts spasmodically, a small amount of air is suddenly forced out of the lungs, causing the characteristic sound. The diaphragm becomes irritated by swallowing large pieces of food, swallowing too quickly, or overfilling the stomach. Sudden laughing, the nervous swallowing of air and a large number of rarer conditions may also be responsible. If the hiccups are long-lasting and constant they may be due to pneumonia, pancreatitis, abscesses in the abdomen, brain disorders (eg. strokes, tumors), chemical imbalances in the bloodstream and heart disease. |
Symptoms of Hiccups
Involuntary, repeated spasms of the diaphragm causing the sudden expulsion of air and a brief high pitched noise. |
Tests for Hiccups
None normally necessary unless a specific cause is being sought. |
Treatment for Hiccups
May be cured by a counter irritation or relieving the stomach pressure. Drinking water, holding a deep breath, a fright, and burping are well-known remedies. Medications can be given to relax the diaphragm muscle in persistent cases.
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Complications of Hiccups of its treatment
Rarely may persist for days, weeks, months or years. The causes need to be investigated and treated in these cases. |
Likely Outcome of Hiccups
Usually lasts no more than a few minutes or an hour or two. |
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