Hiccups
Hiccups are triggered when your diaphragm involuntarily contracts. Common causes of the contraction include eating too much, drinking a carbonated beverage, and stress. Unfortunately, anticipating these reflexive actions isn’t possible. Instead, the spams are often accompanied by a mild tightening of your throat or chest before producing a distinctive hiccup sound. Most of the time, hiccups begin abruptly and stop just as quickly.
Numerous triggers have already been identified, but there isn’t a definitive and clear list of causes. Some things that may lead to short-term hiccups are overeating, consuming spicy food, drinking carbonated and alcoholic beverages, sudden temperature changes, aerophagia, and excitement or stress. It can also be a symptom of a stroke and other serious medical conditions.
Usually, hiccups don’t constitute emergency treatment. However, prolonged episodes can disrupt daily life. If it lasts for over two days, it’s advisable to contact your doctor to determine its severity and provide you with a treatment option. Usually, home remedies like breathing into your paper bag, holding your breath, drinking cold water, pulling out your tongue, and the Valsalva maneuver are enough to stop hiccups. If not, doctors may prescribe antipsychotic drugs, baclofen, benzodiazepines, and seizure medications.
