Why, when and how does hiccup takes place?
Why, when and how does hiccup takes place?
By Dr. Kanthimathi
What are hiccups?
-Hiccups are bursts of inspiratory activity due to irritation of diaphragm.
Cause of the hiccup sound:
On irritation, diaphragm can undergo spasm causing sudden sucking of air into the throat and hits the voice box; leads to sudden closure of vocal cords and that causes the characteristic hic sound..
Temporary hiccups - causes are:
-eating or drinking too much or too quickly. (The distended stomach irritates diaphragm that is situated above it. This will lead to contraction of diaphragm)
-Temperature changes and emotional situations (due to disturbance in the nervous pathway to the muscle involved and this is the reason that sometimes sudden shock can abolish the attack)
-Drinking carbonated beverage or too much alcohol
-Stress
Chronic hiccups : causes are:
-Nervous system disorders like encephalitis or meningitis
-Metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus or kidney failure.
-Abdominal surgery
-Strokes
-Brain tumours
-Certain medications
Hiccups in newborn and infants:
Common during feeding
Can get rid of hiccups by the following:
-Stop the feeding till the hiccups go away
-Change the position of the baby during feeding
-Make the baby to burp
-Calm down the baby
-Avoid feeding when the baby is over hungry
World's record of hiccups:
The longest that was ever recorded was that of Charles Osborne in Anthon, Iowa.
Started hiccuping in 1922 and continued till his death in 1990. (68 years)