Hiccups occur due to the contraction of the diaphragm, a delicate muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. An abrupt spasm of the diaphragm causes a sudden deep breath which makes the vocal cord close, leading to a hiccup. It could be annoying but won’t cause any serious effects. However, if you experience it often, you should consult with a health adviser immediately. Continue reading to know why hiccups occur.
Hiccups may occur for several reasons. Here are some factors that cause frequent hiccups.
Hiccups can be a symptom of some diseases, such as,
Some medications are also linked to hiccups namely,
Long-Term Hiccups
Hiccups usually last for a short period. However, if a person gets long-term hiccups, it could be a sign of any disorder like encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes, or kidney failure. Besides these disorders, drugs and steroids can also cause hiccups. Anesthesia, a medicine used to block pain, can trigger hiccups. If a person has prolonged hiccups after eating, breathing, or sleeping, they must consult a physician.
The blockage of the vocal cord is what leads to that sound you experience while hiccuping. While it lasts only for a matter of minutes, there arises a reason for concern when hiccups last for more than 48 hours. Sometimes, it could be an abdominal disease, gastroenteritis, or even pneumonia. If it occurs frequently or disrupts your everyday chores, it is wise to consult your general practitioner as early as possible who will further suggest if any tests have to be taken.
In this section, we will see how to get rid of hiccups. They can stop as soon as they begin. However, in some cases like persistent hiccups, or intractable hiccups, they require certain medications to be cured. Chlorpromazine, baclofen, haloperidol, and metoclopramide are the medications usually preferred to stop hiccups. Sedatives, muscle relaxants, analgesics, and stimulants also restrain hiccups. In the instances where medications do not work, phrenic nerve surgery is performed as a final solution, but it is pretty rare.
Hiccups can be stopped with simple home remedies. Here are some tips to follow.
You must visit a doctor if the hiccup arises with stomach pain, fever, vomiting, coughing up blood, or breath issues.
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