Hiccups

 

What Are Hiccups?

Hiccups happen when your diaphragm (the muscle under your lungs that helps you breathe) spasms suddenly.

  • Normally: diaphragm moves smoothly up and down → steady breathing

  • With hiccups: diaphragm contracts too quickly → your vocal cords snap shut → hic!

It’s basically your lungs throwing a little tantrum.

🧃 What Causes Hiccups?

Most hiccups are harmless and short-lived. Common triggers include:

  • Eating or drinking too fast 🍕🥤

  • Swallowing air while chewing gum or drinking soda 🫧

  • Laughing too hard 🤣

  • Sudden excitement or stress 😳

  • Spicy or hot food 🌶️

  • Temperature changes (like drinking something super cold) ❄️

⏳ How Long Do They Last?

  • Usually: a few minutes to an hour

  • Rarely: can last days (or even weeks!) — called persistent hiccups — and may signal an underlying medical condition (like stomach irritation, nerve issues, or even certain diseases).

💡 How to Stop Hiccups (Sometimes)

People swear by all kinds of tricks. Here are a few:

  • Holding your breath and counting to 10 🌬️

  • Drinking a glass of cold water slowly 🥶

  • Swallowing a spoonful of sugar 🍬

  • Breathing into a paper bag (never plastic!) 🛍️

  • Pulling gently on your tongue 😝

Fun fact: Scientists aren’t 100% sure why this work, but many believe they “reset” your diaphragm or vagus nerve.

🩺 When Should You Worry?

Call a doctor if hiccups:

  • Last more than 48 hours

  • Cause problems eating or sleeping

  • Happen with chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion

These could be signs of something more serious.

🌸 Recap

  • Hiccups = diaphragm spasms + vocal cords snapping shut

  • Triggered by food, drinks, laughter, or stress

  • Usually harmless 

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