Hiccups Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Are Hiccups?

A Hiccup, known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) or singultus in medical terms, is an involuntary contraction (myoclonic jerk) of the diaphragm that may repeat several times per minute.

It is an involuntary action involving a reflex arc.

Once triggered, the reflex causes a strong contraction of the diaphragm followed about 0.25 seconds later by closure of the vocal cords, which results in the classic “hic” sound.

Hiccups may occur individually, or they may occur in bouts.

Causes Of Hiccups:

Most common causes of hiccups include:

Drinking carbonated beverages
Drinking too much alcohol
Eating too much
Excitement or emotional stress
Sudden temperature changes
Swallowing air with chewing gum or sucking on candy

However, if hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, it seems to be then caused by the following factors:

Nerve damage or irritation

This can be caused by:

A hair or something else in your ear touching your eardrum
A tumor, cyst or goiter in your neck
Gastroesophageal reflux
Sore throat or laryngitis

Central nervous system disorders
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Multiple sclerosis
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Tumors

Metabolic disorders and drugs
Alcoholism
Anesthesia
Barbiturates
Diabetes
Electrolyte imbalance
Kidney failure
Steroids
Tranquilizers

Surgeries and mental and emotional issues, for instance anxiety and stress, are known to increase the probability of developing hiccups.

Symptoms Of Hiccups:

Signs and symptoms may include:

A single or a series of breathing diaphragm spasms, of variable spacing and duration.
A brief (less than one half second), unexpected, shoulder, abdomen, throat, or full body tremor.
Hiccups may present as an audible chirp, squeak, “hupp”, or if controlled, a quick inhaling gasp, sigh, or sniff.
Hiccups may present as brief but distracting or painful, frequent or occasional interruptions in normal breathing, with sudden momentary pain of the throat, chest, and/or abdomen.