How can I get rid of hiccups and what causes them?

We all experience hiccups occasionally, although they can be bothersome, they usually resolve themselves quickly.

An extended bout of hiccups can be bothersome and humiliating, especially in professional or social settings.

Two doctors, who are experts on hiccups, were consulted by Planet Chronicle Digital to better comprehend its causes and treatments.

Here are revealing insights.

What causes hiccups?

The diaphragm and ribcage muscles contract involuntarily and rapidly to inhale air, followed by the glottis closing.

The flap that closes the airway after swallowing is muscular, according to Mark Loafman, M.D., a board-certified family physician with Cook County Health in Chicago, Illinois.

He explained to Planet Chronicle Digital that the 'hic' sound is produced by the glottis closing.

According to Loafman, most hiccup episodes are brief and not a cause for worry.

"Hiccups can be caused by a range of conditions, from mild to severe, and sometimes their cause remains unknown," he stated.

Some people do have a greater susceptibility than others, he noted.

He stated that older and taller men are more likely to experience routine hiccups.

"Several theories exist regarding the cause of that, including the possibility that the long body type influences the neuromuscular tissues, although no one can confirm this for certain."

Tips for getting rid of hiccups

There is inconsistent evidence on the effectiveness of home remedies for hiccups, according to Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., a family doctor at One Medical in Phoenix, Arizona.

"Since hiccups are a reflex, many remedies attempt to interrupt the signals that trigger the reflex. As a result, many cures involve unusual drinking or eating methods."

Despite the absence of clinical trials on home remedies, Loafman observed that certain patients have experienced positive results from various techniques.

He suggested holding one's breath for five or even 10 seconds.

Another option is to perform a Valsalva maneuver, which involves closing one's mouth and pinching one's nose shut while exhaling, as recommended by the National Institutes of Health.

Loafman suggested alternative remedies such as sipping or gargling icy-cold water, biting into a lemon, swallowing a teaspoon of dry sugar, or pulling on your tongue.

The doctor stated that hiccups are usually self-limited and will eventually stop regardless of any remedy attempted, so any treatment will appear to be effective as the hiccups will eventually cease on their own.

Loafman stated that the traditional method of scaring someone to stop hiccups is likely a myth and ineffective.

He remarked that although hiccups usually stop on their own, scaring someone might seem effective at times.

Overeating can trigger hiccups, according to Loafman, and dietary choices can help control them.

If a pattern is observed with certain foods, we recommend making a change, he stated.

When should you seek medical attention?

If hiccups persist for hours, are frequently recurring, or interfere with basic function, it's recommended to seek medical attention, according to Loafman.

Persistent hiccups can indicate serious health conditions.

According to the Mayo Clinic, central nervous disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, and esophageal issues are some of the conditions that can affect the digestive system.

A medical provider can assess the situation further.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health.