The causes of hiccups can be many and, in most cases, there’s no reason to worry. Still, it’s a bit of a nuisance. The hiccup record in history is said to be held by a man named charles osbornewho has suffered from this discomfort for 68 years.
Was registered Men are more likely to have hiccups than women. On many occasions it is perceived that the fetus has it, which is normal. Newborns are also prone to have it, among other reasons, because their digestive systems are maturing.
What is hiccups?
Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. and the intercostal muscles. It happens spasmodically, involuntarily and repeatedly. When you hiccup, you feel a sudden rush of air.
The causes of hiccups can be many. What is common in all cases is that the phrenic nerve, in charge of controlling the diaphragm, sends abnormal impulses. The diaphragm is a very important muscle for respiration in mammals.
The phrenic nerve controls the contraction and relaxation activity of this muscle, allowing air to flow in and out of the lungs. When this nerve has abnormal impulses, the diaphragm suddenly contracts with a sudden inspiration and closure of the glottis.
Causes of hiccups
There are many possible causes of hiccups. Some of them have to do with daily activitieslike the following:
- eat quickly.
- Drink carbonated drinks.
- Suffers from gastric distension caused by aerophagia.
- Drinking alcoholic beverages.
- States of anxiety, agitation or emotional stress.
- Exposure to sudden changes in temperature.
Another cause of hiccups can be chewing gum or eating candy by swallowing air, as well as consuming very hot or spicy foods. Some hiccups occur after abdominal surgery or when suffering from metabolic disorders.
There is medicines which can cause hiccups. Similarly, the origin of this discomfort can be in central nervous system disorders, such as meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis and cerebrovascular accident.
types of hiccups
Hiccups usually stop within minutes of starting. When the causes are daily activities and disappears in less than 48 hours, it’s called sharp, transient OR self-limited. This mode is the one that manifests itself in most cases.
We talk about persistent hiccups when it lasts more than 48 hours, but not more than a month. If it lasts longer than four weeks, it is called refractory. In these cases, the discomfort is most likely the expression of some underlying pathology, which requires medical advice.
Some of the causes of persistent or refractory hiccups are as follows:
- hiatal hernia.
- Abdominal conditions, such as subdiaphragmatic abscess.
- Diseases of the central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease.
- Toxic or metabolic causes, such as diabetes.
- Respiratory tract infections, such as the flu.
From hiccups persistent It can interfere with the normal development of daily life, it is necessary to consult a doctor if suffering. This type can lead a person to not eat properly because it prevents them from eating normally. It also gives rise to sleep disturbances, speech interference and other associated ills.
Ways to end the hiccups
Regardless of what causes hiccups, both medicine and folk knowledge offer many recipes for stopping it. One of the best known ways is to drink a few sips of water, covering your ears.. This simple technique helps increase internal chest pressure and relax the phrenic nerve.
Another similar method is to drink water, but from the opposite side of the correct one. In other words, the person has to lean their torso slightly to do this without spilling a drop. This position helps normalize breathing and relax the diaphragm. It is also effective to hold your breath for a few seconds.
It is recommended to perform exercises with the diaphragm. One option is to lie on the floor on your back and bring your knees up to your chest, or as far away as possible, and stay that way for a few minutes. Or, sitting on the floor with your legs stretched out, stretch your arms until they touch your toes, to compress the diaphragm area and stop the hiccups.
Another very common advice is to drink a glass of fresh water, all in one gulp; take a few sets of breaths with your mouth and nose into a paper bag and even gargle with ice cold water. Some also recommend eating a wedge of lemon or a spoonful of sugar, but there is no evidence that this is effective.
Regardless of the causes of hiccups, pay attention to it
Beyond the causes of the discomfort, it is important that you pay attention to whether it lasts over time. Perhaps it is a sign of another underlying pathological picture.
Anyway, If it’s temporary, don’t worry. The usual reasons are varied and abound in everyday life, so there is not always seriousness. You can try one of the traditional techniques to stop it or just wait for it to pass.
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