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)



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