What causes hiccups (and how to stop them)
<p>We’ve all experienced a bout of hiccups, but have you ever stopped to really wonder what they are?</p>
<p>Hiccups start in the diaphragm, which is underneath your chest. When the diaphragm gets irritated it moves faster than usual, causing the air to hit your throat suddenly, hitting your voice box and causing your vocal chords to close, creating the infamous ‘hic’ sound.</p>
<p>Generally, hiccups will only last a few moments, or minutes at best. But if they last a long time or are happening more often than they used to, they can be a sign that something is wrong and you need to be checked by a doctor.</p>
<p><strong>What causes them</strong></p>
<p>Generally, hiccups are caused when we eat or drink too much or too quickly. It can also happen due to stress or anxiety, or a stomach irritation. Many people suffer from hiccups when they drink alcohol or smoke, as this tends to irritate the body. In babies, it can happen when they have been crying a lot, or may even be due to reflux. Many women note that they have felt their baby have hiccups during pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Treatment</strong></p>
<p>Some of the old-fashioned remedies really do work, such as having a teaspoon of sugar, holding your breath for as long as possible, or getting a fright. Most likely you will find what works for you at a young age. More serious cases will require a trip to the doctor for medication. Depending on the cause and complaint, you may be prescribed with a muscle relaxant, stimulant, sedatives or an anticonvulsant.</p>
<p><strong>Are they a symptom of something more serious?</strong></p>
<p>Generally, no. But if they continue on for extended periods they can be a late symptom of something more extreme than just eating too much.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Reflux:</strong> in adults, acid reflux can lead to uncomfortable hiccups, but this is treatable with medication.</li>
<li><strong>Tumours:</strong> in rare cases, hiccups are a symptom of a tumour in the stomach or neck.</li>
<li><strong>Heart disease:</strong> they can also be a sign of stroke of heart problems in extreme cases.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Organ failure:</strong> if someone is suffering from advanced kidney or liver failure, hiccups can be triggered. This can also occur due to cirrhosis of the liver.</li>
</ul>
<p class="columnsmall-12medium-10medium-offset-1large-offset-2textsize-1x-largeline-height-large10m0ygc4">Generally, though, other symptoms would alert you to such extreme illness much sooner than hiccups would, so do not be alarmed. Speak with your GP if you have any concerns.</p>
<p>Have you ever experienced extreme hiccups? Was it treatable?</p>
