Hiccups can be an irritating symptom, maybe even considered uncomfortable for some, but what about those who experience hiccups often and have trouble ridding themselves of them?
Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, which separates the chest from the abdomen.
When hiccups occur, the vocal cords close briefly, producing the familiar sound we hear and recognize as hiccups. Hiccups may also be accompanied by a slight tightening feeling in the abdomen, chest, or throat.
Hiccups usually come as a result of these common triggers:
For some, hiccups may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
It is not unusual for hiccups to only last for a few minutes for most people.
Although rare, some may experience hiccups beyond 48 hours, even months. These are most likely attributed to the irritation of or damage to the phrenic or vagus nerves, which serve the diaphragm muscle.
The following factors may affect these nerves in this manner:
Metabolic disorders and drugs can also trigger long-term hiccups, including:
In addition, there are central nervous system disorders that can alter the body’s normal control of hiccups and extend them:
Those that experience these persistent hiccups can experience exhaustion and weight loss. Other complications include affecting your:
If your hiccups continue beyond 48 hours, schedule an appointment with your doctor to seek medical attention and to prevent further complications.
With COVID-19, persistent hiccups have been reported in some patient cases. Although rare, persistent hiccups are sometimes a sole sign of COVID.
For expectant moms, hiccups can become a bother.
Many expectant moms begin to feel fetal hiccups, which feel like jerky motions, in their sixth month of pregnancy. The time during the pregnancy may differ with each expectant mom, the same as fetal movement.
Hiccups can be triggered by anesthesia drugs that are administered to patients during surgery to prevent pain during the procedure.
These drugs can irritate the vagus nerve, resulting in hiccups after surgery. These hiccups are usually considered chronic spasms, lasting beyond 48 hours.
RELATED: 9 Ways To Relieve Your Baby’s Hiccups
Hiccups tend to be common in babies, and surprisingly, do not affect them as many would believe.
Studies show that hiccups may be an important part of breathing and brain development in babies.
If the hiccups appear to become uncomfortable for the baby, burping or giving the baby a pacifier may be helpful.
Hiccups usually stop on their own. Even a sip or two of water helps. There are home remedies you can try for getting rid of your hiccups, such as:
Again, if hiccups persist, seek medical attention. Other methods of getting rid of hiccups that may be suggested, depending on your underlying cause, are:
If all else fails, surgery is a last resort.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
