Understanding Hiccups Causes, Types and Treatment Option

Have you ever wondered why hiccups start suddenly? They are common but quite annoying. They occur due to carbonated beverages, a sudden laugh, or drinking something cold too quickly. Generally, hiccups go away on their own, but if they persist, then medical attention might be required.

In this blog, we will discuss the causes of hiccups and various treatment options in detail.

Understanding  Hiccups 

Hiccups are the repeated movement of the diaphragm that produces a “hic” sound from your vocal cords closing. Your diaphragm is a dome-shaped shaped that creates a distance between your chest from your belly. It moves downward when you breathe in and upward when you breathe out. It is also known as hiccups and Singultus.

Types of Hiccups 

The 4 types of hiccups are as follows :

Transient Hiccups: These are short-term hiccups that last only a few seconds or minutes. They usually go away on their own and are quite common.

Persistent Hiccups: These hiccups last for more than 48 hours but less than a month. They may need medical attention if they don’t stop.

Intractable Hiccups: When hiccups continue for over a month, they are called intractable. This condition can affect sleep, eating, and daily life, and often signals an underlying issue.

Recurrent Hiccups: These hiccups come and go over time. Each episode lasts longer than just a few minutes and may keep returning without a clear cause.

Hiccups Causes

Hiccups can be caused by various reasons. They can be triggered by everyday habits or signal more serious health problems.

Eating or Drinking Quickly

Hiccups can trigger due to the eating or drinking quickly . Carbonated beverages and overeating often i irritating the stomach and diaphragm.

Sudden Temperature Change

Drinking something very cold after eating hot food can confuse the nerves that control the diaphragm. A sudden temperature change can lead to hiccups.

Emotional Stress or Excitement

Hiccups also trigger due to strong emotions such as anxiety, laughter or excitement. These strong emotions overstimulate the vagus nerve, leading to a “hic” sound.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

The gastrointestinal conditions, such as acid reflux, gastritis, or bloating, can press on the diaphragm. This pressure may cause repeated hiccups and digestive discomfort.

Nerve Irritation

The phrenic and vagus are the controllers of our diaphragm. Any irritation to these nerves, such as a sore throat or tumour, may lead to hiccups.

Medical Disorders

Some health issues, like stroke, brain injury, or multiple sclerosis, can interfere with the brain signals that control breathing, causing hiccups.

Hiccups Treatment Options

Most hiccups go away on their own, but in some cases these are persistent and need medical attention. Some of the effective  hiccups treatments are as follows: 

Breathing Techniques

Holding your breath or breathing slowly into a paper bag increases carbon dioxide in your blood. This distracts the diaphragm and eventually stops the hiccups 

Swallowing Methods

Drinking a glass of cold water, swallowing sugar, or gently pulling your tongue can stop the hiccups.

Stimulating the Vagus Nerve

You can gently massage your neck, rub your eyes slowly, or take ice or water. These tricks stimulate the vagus nerve and may stop the hiccups.

Medical Consultation

If hiccups are persistent and last for a few weeks, they need medical attention. Doctors  will examine  and suggest a possible treatment based on the medical history 

Prescription Medicines

Doctors may recommend hiccups treatment medicine like baclofen, chlorpromazine, or metoclopramide for severe cases. These drugs calm nerve signals to the diaphragm.

Home Remedies for Hiccups

Many people prefer home remedies to stop their hiccups. These techniques offer quick solutions and help calm the diaphragm.

Drink Cold Water

Take small sips of very cold water. This soothes the throat and interrupts the nerve signals, and gives fast relief from hiccups. Swalloww a Teaspoon of Sugar

Take a spoonful of sugar, it stimulates the throat nerves and stops hiccups. Let it dissolve slowly in your mouth without chewing.

Bite on a Lemon

Chew a small slice or suck the juice of the lemon. The sour taste of a lemon stimulates your nerves and helps stop hiccups.

Hold Your Breath

Take a deep breath and hold it for ten seconds. This builds up carbon dioxide in your lungs and stops hiccups by relaxing the diaphragm.

Gargle with Cold Water

Do gargle with cold water, it  stimulates the nerves of the diaphragm . This is the best hiccups cure that may reset your breathing pattern.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Hiccups that do not go away on their own can indicate a medical issue. Here’s the reason to get professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment

La.sts More Than Two Days

If hiccups continue for 48 hours or more, they are no longer normal. A doctor will check for serious causes and may order some tests.

Interrupts Sleep or Eating

Frequent hiccups can interfere with eating, drinking, or sleeping. It  inferes the daily routine and may lead to weakness or dehydration if ignored.

Comes with Other Symptoms

If you have hiccups comes  along with nausea, headache, chest pain, or breathing difficulty, it may signal something more serious that needs urgent care.

Conclusion

Hiccups are the common and resolve on their own. If it persists than it requires a medical attention . Understanding the root cause , give you the right direction to tackle it. At Niva Bupa Health Insurance, we offer comprehensive medical insurance with access to top hospitals, cashless treatments, and doctor consultations.  

Disclaimer: The details provided above are intended for informational purposes only. For accurate medical guidance, please consult your healthcare provider. Health insurance benefits are governed by the terms and conditions of your policy. For further details, review your policy documents.

People Also Ask

1. Are hiccups harmful?

Most hiccups are harmless and go away quickly. But if they last more than 48 hours, they could signal a health issue.

2. Can certain foods trigger hiccups?

Yes, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and eating too fast can irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups.

3. When should I worry about hiccups?

If hiccups last over two days, disturb your routine, or come with other symptoms, consult a doctor.

4. What is the best quick remedy for hiccups?

Drinking cold water, holding your breath, or swallowing sugar are commonly effective remedies. 

5. Can stress or anxiety cause hiccups?

Yes, emotional stress can overstimulate nerves linked to the diaphragm and trigger hiccups.