Medically known as singultus, hiccups occur due to involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and causes it to contract repeatedly. The spasms also cause sudden rush of air into the lungs which is stopped suddenly by the closure of the vocal cords or glottis. The sudden closure results in the characteristic “hic” sound. Hiccups last for several minutes to several hours and normally resolves by itself. If it becomes persistent (lasts more than 48 hours) or intractable (lasts for more than a month) then it may be a sign of a more serious health condition. The actual cause of hiccups is still unknown. Studies show that it results from irritation, from eating too much too quickly, excessive alcohol drinking, excitement, eating very spicy foods, drinking a cold beverage with a hot meal or vise versa, laughing vigorously, and smoking. There are a number of home remedies thought of to improve the condition or at least lessen its occurence. Some of these include holding your breath and slowly counting to 10, putting sugar or honey under your tongue, breathing repeatedly into a paper bag or in a small enclosed container, and drinking quickly a glass of cold water. All of these home remedies increase the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. The better method is exhaling all the air inside the lungs in one long exhalation and this is followed by breathing in all the air in one long inhalation with a series of short powerful puffs at the end of inspiration until the lungs cannot hold anymore. The breath is further held for several minutes or as long as possible. For the persistent and intractable types, treatment is directed to the particular cause. This may range from use of medicines to hypnosis. Medically they are given haloperidol,chlorpromazine, metoclopramide, or baclofen. |
