Respiratory conditions
Hiccups are simple to explain. The diaphragm (the major muscle which sits like a cap over the stomach) goes into spasms. The vocal cords close rapidly. This causes the “hiccup” sound.
Causes
* Eating too fast. Swallowing air with the food.
* Drinking carbonated beverages. Drinking too much alcohol.
* Doing things to make the stomach full enough to irritate the diaphragm, such as eating a lot of fatty foods in a short period of time.
Treatment
Hiccups seldom cause harm. Usually, they don’t last very long. Self-Care treats most cases of hiccups. Hiccups that persist could be a sign of a nervous system problem. A doctor needs to diagnose and treat this.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
Common Remedies for Hiccups
* Swallow 1 teaspoon of dry table sugar. If this doesn’t stop the hiccups right away, repeat it 3 times, at 2-minute intervals. {Note: For young children (that do not have diabetes), use a teaspoon of corn syrup.}
* Hold your tongue with your thumb and index finger and gently pull it forward.
* Drink a glass of water rapidly. {Note: Young children should drink a glass of milk slowly.}
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine