How Do We Get Hiccups?
Have you ever experienced a sudden involuntary contraction of your diaphragm muscle followed by an abrupt closure of your vocal cords resulting in a sound that is commonly known as a hiccup? This phenomenon is called hiccups, and almost everyone experiences it at some point in their life. It is a temporary condition that usually goes away on its own, but have you ever wondered how do we get hiccups? In this article, we will explore what hiccups are, what causes them, and how to get rid of them.
What Are Hiccups?
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, which is responsible for breathing. These contractions occur suddenly and can cause the vocal cords to close, resulting in a sound that we call a hiccup. Hiccups can be brief or last longer, and they can occur in both infants and adults.
What Causes Hiccups?
There are several causes of hiccups, and some of them include:
Eating or Drinking Too Quickly
When you eat or drink too quickly, you swallow air along with the food or beverage. This can cause your stomach to expand, which irritates the diaphragm muscle and causes it to contract, resulting in hiccups.
Eating Spicy or Hot Foods
Spicy or hot foods can irritate the nerves that are responsible for the diaphragm muscle, causing it to contract and resulting in hiccups.
Drinking Alcohol or Carbonated Beverages
Alcohol and carbonated beverages can cause irritation to the nerves and muscles responsible for breathing, resulting in hiccups.
Emotional Stress or Excitement
Emotional stress or excitement can cause the diaphragm muscle to contract involuntarily, resulting in hiccups.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pneumonia, and stroke can cause hiccups.
How to Get Rid of Hiccups
Most cases of hiccups go away on their own and do not require medical attention. However, if your hiccups last for more than 48 hours or are accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. Here are some remedies that can help you get rid of hiccups:
Breathe into a Paper Bag
Breathing into a paper bag increases the amount of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream, which helps relax the diaphragm muscle and stop hiccups.
Drink Water
Drinking water helps regulate the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your bloodstream, which can help relax the diaphragm muscle and stop hiccups.
Hold Your Breath
Holding your breath for a few seconds can help regulate the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your bloodstream, which may help relax the diaphragm muscle and stop hiccups.
Swallow a Teaspoon of Sugar
Swallowing a teaspoon of sugar stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps relax the diaphragm muscle and stop hiccups.
Conclusion
Hiccups can be annoying, but they are usually harmless and go away on their own. However, if your hiccups last for more than 48 hours or are accompanied by severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Knowing what causes hiccups and how to get rid of them can make the experience less frustrating and uncomfortable.
