Hiccups: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm contracts involuntarily, which is the muscle that separates your chest and abdomen. Each contraction is followed by a sudden closure of your vocal cords to produce the characteristic "hic" sound.
Causes of Hiccups
Hiccups are usually caused by a minor irritation of the nerves that control the diaphragm. Some common triggers include:
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Eating too much or too fast
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Drinking carbonated beverages or alcohol
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Swallowing air while chewing gum or sucking on candy
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Smoking
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Sudden changes in temperature
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Emotional stress or excitement
In some cases, hiccups may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as:
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Infections of the throat, lungs, or abdomen
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Brain tumors or strokes
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Nerve damage or irritation
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Certain medications
Symptoms of Hiccups
The main symptom of hiccups is the sound of the “hic” that occurs with each contraction of the diaphragm. Other symptoms may include:
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A slight tightening sensation in your chest, abdomen, or throat
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Difficulty eating or drinking
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Difficulty breathing or speaking
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Discomfort or pain in your chest or abdomen
Diagnosis of Hiccups
In most cases, hiccups are diagnosed by reviewing the patient's history and conducting a physical examination. In addition to asking about the frequency, duration, and severity of the hiccups, the doctor may also examine your chest and abdomen for signs of infection or any possible triggers.
Doctors may order tests to rule out any serious causes if the hiccups last more than 48 hours or recur frequently, such as:
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Blood tests to check for infection, inflammation, or electrolyte imbalance
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Chest X-ray to look for lung problems
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Endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach
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CT scan or MRI to look for brain problems
Treatment of Hiccups
Most cases of hiccups go away on their own within a few minutes or hours. However, if the hiccups are persistent or bothersome, you may try some home remedies or medications to stop them.
Some home remedies that may help include:
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Breathing into a paper bag
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Drinking a glass of water quickly
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Holding your breath for a few seconds
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Gently pulling on your tongue
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Biting on a lemon
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Swallowing a teaspoon of sugar or honey
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Applying pressure to the area between your nose and upper lip
Some medications that may help include:
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Antacids to reduce stomach acid
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Muscle relaxants to relax the diaphragm
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Sedatives to calm the nerves
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Anti-nausea drugs to prevent vomiting
If none of these methods work, the doctor may suggest some invasive procedures to stop the hiccups, such as:
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Injecting an anesthetic into the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm
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Blocking the vagus nerve, which connects the brain and the stomach
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Surgically cutting or stimulating the phrenic nerve
Prevention of Hiccups
To prevent hiccups, you may try to avoid some common triggers, such as:
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Eating smaller and more frequent meals
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Chewing your food slowly and thoroughly
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Avoiding spicy, fatty, or carbonated foods and drinks
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Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
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Managing stress and anxiety
If you have any medical conditions or take any medications that may cause hiccups, consult your doctor. He or she may adjust your dosage or prescribe a different drug that does not cause hiccups.
