Wellness

Hiccups are a very common phenomenon related to contractions of the diaphragm. The typical sound associated with hiccups stems from the vocal cords snapping shut. In the majority of cases, hiccups will only last a few minutes before subsiding. However, in some cases, they can last for many weeks and be associated with more significant underlying pathology.

Men tend to develop hiccups more often than women. 

In cases which last less than a couple of days, the commonest causes are as follows –

Alcohol
Carbonated drinks
Overeating
Stress
Excessive chewing

Hiccups which last more than 2 days are often associated with damage to the nerves which supply the diaphragm – the vagus nerve or phrenic nerves. This can be related to the following:

A neck swelling
Acid reflux
Sore throat
Laryngitis
Diabetes
Kidney disease

A disorder of the central nervous system such as

• Meningitis
• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Tumour

The following measures may be helpful –

Breathing into a paper-bag
Gargling with ice water
Breath-holding
Biting on a lemon
Sipping ice-cold water
Child-pose in yoga
Swallow a teaspoon of granulated sugar
Smaller meals
Acupuncture
Hypnosis
Psychotherapy
Medication such as the use of Maxolon