Hiccups

What Are Hiccups?

These refer to involuntary spasms or muscular contractions of the diaphragm, a muscle located at the base of the lungs. It separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and aids in breathing. It is a reflex action of the body that is uncontrollable (involuntary). However, it does not perform any useful purpose similar to sneezing or coughing.

The condition is also known by other names like hiccoughs and singultus.

Symptoms of Hiccups

Sufferers of hiccups typically produce an audible sound that is accompanied by uncomfortable respiration, lasting for a second or less. The contraction is immediately followed by a closure of the glottis (the upper part of the windpipe or trachea). This gives rise to the “hic” sound that gives the hiccup its name.

In some cases, these may start suddenly and generally disappear after a few minutes. In rare cases, these may persist for days, weeks or even months.

What Causes Hiccups?

The condition is said to result from sudden, uncontrollable spasms produced in the diaphragm. It is not clear why these spasms arise at all. These are quite common in newborns as well as infants.

Some of the possible causes of hiccups are believed to be:

  • Hot and spicy liquids or foods
  • Toxic fumes
  • Abdominal surgery
  • Tumor or stroke affecting the brain
  • Disorders (such as pneumonia or pleurisy) that irritate the nerves controlling the diaphragm

Hiccups during Pregnancy

Hiccups are often found to occur in pregnant women. Women are often found to be more susceptible to this condition during a pregnant state. This usually occurs as the lungs of would-be mothers breathe in and breathe out 30-40% more than usual with each breath. Women are found to breathe faster during maternity. Psychological factors are also believed to play a role in the development of hiccups. Although the incidence of the condition in pregnant women is not known, it is likely to arise at any time during maternity.

Diagnosis of Hiccups

Short bouts of hiccups usually last for a few minutes. They go away without any treatment. However, persistent episodes require a proper diagnosis and cure. Individuals suffering from this condition for over 48 hours or having frequently recurring temporary episodes of this state should go for a checkup. Initial tests for the condition generally include

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) Tests, to detect any heart disorders
  • Chest X-Ray, to diagnose chest problems
  • Blood Tests, to detect any changes in blood

In some cases, other medical tests may also be recommended depending on the health of the individual or the suspicion of any underlying condition.

Treatment for Hiccups

This condition is usually self-limiting and do not need to be treated. However, persistent cases require treatment and even use of medications if necessary. Certain drugs used for cure of hiccups include,

  • Haloperidol
  • Gabapentin
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Metoclopramide
  • Amitriptyline

If medicines and other therapies fail to improve the situation, a surgery may be conducted on the phrenic nerve. However, surgery involves life-risk and is only used as a last resort.

Home Remedies for Hiccups

If you are suffering from hiccups, you may try these home remedies to get a fast relief from discomfort.

  • Drink a glass of cold water
  • Swallow a teaspoon of sugar
  • Breathe into a paper bag for a few minutes
  • Hold your breath for around ten seconds
  • Suck on crushed ice

Some people also believe that diverting the attention of patients can help remedy the condition.

Complications of Hiccups

Prolonged episodes of hiccups have been found to give rise to complications like Cardiac arrhythmia and Gastro-esophageal reflux. However, the condition has mainly been found to give rise to psychological complications, caused by sleep disturbance and disruption of normal life. Acute cases may also lead to problems like,

  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Exhaustion
  • Wound dehiscence
  • Weight loss
  • Malnutrition
  • Dehydration

Prognosis of Hiccups

Persistent hiccups with no apparent underlying case generally show a good prognosis. Most prolonged episodes resolve spontaneously or show set back with treatment. In case of patients suffering from any underlying condition producing the hiccups, prognosis will depend on the outcome for that pathology.

Recurrence of Hiccups

Just like any other health syndrome, this condition may arise due to a number of factors. Some of the main causes of recurrence of hiccups are:

  • Alcohol intake
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Insomnia
  • Neurological issues
  • Asthma
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Kidney failure
  • Tumors
  • Ear infections

Recurrence is also regarded as more common in males. Medical research has established that most cases of prolonged attacks of this condition occur in males.

In extreme cases, patients require medical attention on an immediate basis. If the hiccups are found to be severe and fail to stop despite home remedies, doctors may use anti-convulsive drugs, sedatives and muscle-relaxants to cure the problem. These will help in restoring normal functioning of the diaphragm. In case of persistence of this condition, it is best to seek early medical treatment. This will help prevent any complication arising due to the presence of a possible underlying condition.