Medical Centric

HICCUPS

Men's Health, Uncategorized, Women's Health / By

HICCUPS

Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm that may repeat several times per minute.

  • The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays an important role in breathing
  • Each contraction is followed by a contraction of the vocal cords, resulting in a sudden rush of air into the lungs and classical the hic sound
  • Hiccups may occur in bouts, or they may occur individually. They are often rhythmic, meaning that the interval between each hiccup is relatively constant
  • They are a temporary minor problem, but prolonged hiccups may signal a major medical problem
  • Women and men tend to get hiccups equally as often, but hiccups that last longer than 48 hours are more common in men.

CAUSES

For hiccups that last less than 48 hours, common triggers may include:

  • Eating too quickly and swallowing air along with chewing gum or sucking on candy
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Sudden temperature changes
  • Drinking carbonated beverages

For hiccups that last longer than 48 hours, common triggers may include:

Damage or irritation of the phrenic nerves or vagus nerves which serve the diaphragm muscle. This may be caused by:

  • Sore throat or laryngitis
  • A tumor, cyst, or goiter in the neck
  • A hair or any object in the ear touching the eardrum
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Pneumonia
  • Liver disease
  • Surgery

A tumor or infection in the central nervous system or damage to the central nervous system as a result of trauma. This can disrupt the body’s normal control of the hiccup reflex. This may be caused by:

  • Stroke
  • Tumors
  • Encephalitis
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Meningitis
  • Multiple sclerosis

Metabolic disorders and drugs, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Alcoholism
  • Kidney disease
  • Steroids
  • Tranquilizers
  • Anaesthesia
  • Electrolyte imbalance

SYMPTOMS

  • A single or a series of breathing diaphragm spasm, that is usually rhythmic
  • A brief but painful, frequent or occasional interruption in normal breathing, with a slight tightening sensation in the throat, chest, and/or abdomen

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Hiccups that last less than 48 hours do not usually need any medical attention, as they resolve on their own.

If they persist for longer, a medical professional should be consulted.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination and a neurological exam to check your balance and coordination, eyesight, muscle tone and strength, and reflexes.

If any underlying medical condition is suspected, the doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:

Blood tests to check for signs of diabetes, infection, or kidney disease

Imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to detect the anatomical abnormalities that may be affecting the vagus nerve, phrenic nerve, or diaphragm

Endoscopic tests to check for problems in the windpipe or esophagus

TREATMENT

Most cases of hiccups resolve on their own without no medical treatment.

If an underlying condition is causing it, managing the condition may help eliminate the hiccups.

If prolonged hiccup is disrupting your quality of life, the doctor may prescribe medication, including:

  • Baclofen
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Metoclopramide

In cases that don’t respond to other treatment, the doctor may inject medication into the phrenic nerve to temporarily block the nerve’s action to stop hiccups

Another option is the surgical implantation of a battery-operated device to deliver mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve. This procedure is commonly used to treat epilepsy, but it has been found to help control persistent hiccups

Home remedies for hiccups may include:

  • Drinking a glass of water
  • Pulling hard on your tongue
  • Biting on a lemon
  • Gargling with water
  • Breathing into a paper bag
  • Sipping cold water