What Causes Hiccups When Your Sick

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Have you ever felt the sudden contraction of your diaphragm, followed by an unusual sound that resembles a hiccup? Yes, we are talking about hiccups.

What exactly are hiccups?

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm is a sheet-like muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a crucial role in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts involuntarily, it pulls air into the lungs, and when it relaxes, it pushes air out of the lungs. This contraction and relaxation cycle is essential for breathing, but sometimes, it can also cause hiccups.

What causes hiccups?

Hiccups are a common condition, and everyone experiences them at least once in their lifetime. In most cases, hiccups are harmless and go away on their own without any treatment. However, if hiccups persist for a more extended period, they can be an indication of an underlying health condition or a side-effect of some medications.

The causes of hiccups are varied, and not all of them are entirely clear. Here are some common causes:

1. Eating too fast or too much

When you eat too much or too quickly, you increase the amount of air in your stomach, which can cause your diaphragm to spasm, leading to hiccups.

2. Drinking carbonated beverages

Carbonated drinks, such as soda or beer, can cause the stomach to expand, leading to hiccups.

3. Emotional stress or excitement

Emotional stress or excitement can stimulate the nerves that control the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.

4. Certain medications

Some medications, such as corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates, can cause hiccups as a side-effect.

5. Underlying health conditions

Some health conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pneumonia, or stroke, can cause hiccups.

How to get rid of hiccups?

Most hiccups go away on their own without any treatment. However, if your hiccups are persistent and interfere with your daily life, here are some remedies that may help:

1. Drinking water

Drinking water can help stimulate the vagus nerve, which sends signals to the diaphragm, helping it to relax and stop spasming.

2. Holding your breath

Holding your breath for a few seconds can also help reset your breathing pattern and stop hiccups.

3. Breathing into a paper bag

Breathing into a paper bag can help increase the levels of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream, which can stimulate the diaphragm to relax.

4. Eating a spoonful of sugar

Eating a spoonful of sugar can help activate the vagus nerve, which can help stop hiccups.

5. Gargling with ice-cold water

Gargling with ice-cold water can help stimulate the nerves that control the diaphragm, helping it to relax and stop spasming.

Although hiccups are a common condition, persistent hiccups can be a sign of an underlying health condition. If your hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

In conclusion

Hiccups are a common condition that affects everyone at some point in their life. Although hiccups are harmless in most cases, they can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Most hiccups go away on their own without any treatment, but if they persist for more than 48 hours, it is recommended to seek medical attention.


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