The diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen and is crucial to breathing, contracts uncontrollably during hiccups. Your voice chords abruptly close with each contraction, creating the distinctive “hic” sound.
A heavy meal, alcoholic or carbonated beverages, as well as abrupt excitement, can all cause hiccups. Hiccups may occasionally indicate an underlying medical issue. A case of the hiccups typically only lasts a few minutes for most people. Hiccups can occasionally last for months. Exhaustion and weight loss may occur from this.
Symptoms
Hiccupping is a symptom. Sometimes, a small tightening sensation in your chest, belly, or throat may go along with it.
When to visit a doctor
If your hiccups persist for more than 48 hours or are so severe that they interfere with breathing, eating, or sleeping, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Causes
The following are the main causes of hiccups that persist shorter than 48 hours:
Consuming carbonated liquids
Drinking too much alcohol
Eating too much
Excitation or mental strain
Sudden variations in temperature
Sucking on candy or chewing gum while inhaling air
The following categories of causes can be used to classify the causes of hiccups that continue longer than 48 hours.
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Damaged or irritated nerves
Damage to or irritation of the phrenic or vagus nerves, which supply the diaphragm muscle, can result in long-lasting hiccups. The following factors can harm or irritate these nerves:
A hair or something else in your ear touching your eardrum
A tumor, cyst or goiter in your neck
Gastroesophageal reflux
Sore throat or laryngitis
Central nervous system disorders
The regular regulation of the hiccup reflex by your body can be interfered with by a tumor, illness, or damage to your central nervous system brought on by trauma. Examples comprise:
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Multiple sclerosis
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Tumors
Metabolic disorders and drugs
Long-term hiccups can be triggered by:
Alcoholism
Anesthesia
Barbiturates
Diabetes
Electrolyte imbalance
Kidney disease
Steroids
Tranquilizers
