What Are Hiccups?

Singultus, the medical name for hiccups, is an involuntary reflex of the diaphragm muscle. Annoying and uncontrollable, especially if a bout lasts for more than a few minutes or reoccurs shortly after the prior episode, hiccups affect nearly everyone at some point in. Causes are varied, and ideas on how to get rid them are even more so -- from medical drug therapy to home remedies.

Causes

• Some people get the hiccups after eating a large meal or after having had an alcoholic beverage or two. Others hiccup if they experience a jolt of excitement or are involved in an emotionally stressful situation. If the hiccups last for more than two days, they may be caused by an underlying medical condition such as nerve damage or irritation to either the vagus nerve or phrenic nerve caused by something in the person's throat, such as a cyst, or sometimes the bubbles of a carbonated beverage. A serious central nervous system disorder, such as stroke or encephalitis can also affect the nerves causing hiccups. Systemic conditions, such as electrolyte imbalance or diabetes can also trigger hiccups.

Symptoms

• Hiccups are when the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm (the muscle at the top of the abdomen) is followed by the sudden closure of the vocal chords, which produce the "hic" sound. Some people gasp audibly with each hiccup. Any number between four and 60 hiccups per minute is normal for a bout. Since the muscle tightens as it contracts, hiccups can become painful. A bout usually lasts only a few minutes, but severe sessions can be more than two days, at which point you should seek medical attention.

Remedies

• Drugs for severe bouts can include anti-psychotics or anti-convulsants, anti-nausea drugs or muscle relaxants. Procedures that stimulate or slow block nerve function may be used in extreme cases. Home remedies, such as breathing into a paper bag or holding the breath are thought to stimulate the nerves to correct the spasm of the diaphragm. Some people take a spoonful of sugar to affect similar response. This one seems to work for some (not for babies): Relax. Breathe out slowly. Hold the breath as you place a spoonful of honey in the mouth and swallow slowly, making as little movement as possible. Very slowly inhale.

Prevention

• Individuals who are prone to hiccups should avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and overeating .If you get hiccups when you experience shock, stress or excitement, let friends know not to surprise you and try to stay out of situations that cause this. Refrain from drinking carbonated beverages.