Hiccups are sudden or repeated involuntary movements or spasms in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the stomach and also plays a vital role in breathing. When it experiences a spasm, the vocal cords suddenly close, leading to the production of the “hic” sound, the only symptom here. Usually, hiccups can last a few minutes, but in rare cases, they can continue for days or even months.
Causes
Hiccups can develop for a variety of reasons. While there can be underlying conditions that lead to the spasms, generally, the reasons are much less severe and easier to deal with. Common causes and triggers for hiccups that last for less than 48 hours are:
- Drinking carbonated beverages
- Overeating
- Emotional stress (both negative and positive)
- Sudden changes in temperature
- Accidentally swallowing air while chewing gum
- Extremely fast intake of food or drinks
- Overstretching the neck
- Intake of extremely hot or cold beverages
- Undergoing chemotherapy
- Being placed under anesthesia before a procedure
- Toxic fume inhalation
If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, they could be brought on by underlying conditions like:
- Central nervous system disorders
- Nerve irritation or damage
- Metabolic issues
- Emotional or mental issues
- Having undergone surgical procedures
Hiccups lasting for months can lead to extreme tiredness and change in body mass, so it is important to seek an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
Hiccups generally subside on their own within 48 hours and do not require medical attention. However, if they last longer, the issue might warrant consulting a doctor. At that point, the healthcare provider might ask questions regarding when the hiccups began, at what frequency they occur, whether they are constant or sporadic, and which activities one was engaging in during or just before their onset. Further, examinations, both physical and neurological, will be conducted to analyze the patient’s reflexes, coordination, balance, eyesight, sense of touch, strength of muscles, and muscle tone. In case an underlying condition is found to be the cause of hiccups, the following tests might be suggested by the doctor:
- Blood tests to check for kidney disease, infections, or diabetes
- Imaging tests like a CT scan, X-ray, or MRI scan to look for any contributing anatomical irregularities affecting either the diaphragm or vagus or phrenic nerves
- Endoscopic tests for checking the esophagus
- An electrocardiogram to check for any heart-related conditions using the heart’s electrical activity analysis
Management options
Doctors may recommend treatment options for the underlying condition to get rid of hiccups. When the exact cause is not known, such treatment may or may not work. Some home remedies that are known to stop hiccups include:
- Drinking water quickly
- Gulping dry pieces of bread, granulated sugar, or crushed ice
- Gently tugging at the tongue
- Gently rubbing eyeballs
- Gargling with water
- Holding inhales for a while
- Inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag
These remedies are usually recommended for adults. However, they can also relieve hiccups in babies, children, and teenagers. Fetuses can also get hiccups in the womb and stay unharmed. Hiccups in newborns can be treated by giving them water or breastfeeding. If the spasms persist, one should consult a healthcare provider.
