Hiccups: reason and fight
The reason for hiccups is uncertain for most people. Hiccups or singultus always come at inappropriate times and can be very uncomfortable. Read here how hiccups develop and what they can do about them.
What happens when there is a hiccup?
The diaphragm, as a kind of dividing line between the abdomen (abdomen) and thorax (chest), which is pulled down during normal inhalation, jerkily contracts during hiccups.
- This leads to rapid and sudden inhalation.
- At the same time, the larynx closes and air hits the glottis. This creates the characteristic hiccup.
- The causes of hiccups are many, but often result in irritation of the phrenic nerve (diaphragmatic nerve) and the vagus nerve (digestive nerve).
- Both are nerve connections between the brain stem and the abdominal cavity and normally ensure regulated breathing and digestion.
What are possible hiccups?
The triggers of the hiccups reflex are very diverse, because there are many stimuli that can affect the nerves involved. Possible causes range from a drink that is too cold to a serious illness.
Common triggers of hiccups can be:
- Too hasty eating or drinking.
- A too full stomach.
- Hot or cold food.
- Carbonated drinks
- Everyday drugs like alcohol and nicotine.
- Emotionally tense conditions such as stress, fear or excitement.
Hiccups as a symptom of illness
Hiccups are generally a reflex that children experience and train in the womb. However, persistent or frequently recurring hiccups can be a symptom of various clinical pictures.
- Hiccups are sometimes observed with local inflammation in the body.
- Examples include gastrointestinal inflammation, pharyngitis, inflammation of the pancreas and larynx.
- If hiccups occur in combination with headache, visual disturbances, paralysis, speech disorders as well as dizziness and nausea, these can be symptoms of a stroke. In this case, please call an emergency doctor immediately.
- Other possible symptoms of hiccups include reflux disease, gastric ulcer, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure or traumatic brain injury.
How to get rid of hiccups?
There are just as many popular wisdoms about how it came about as there is fighting the annoying hicker. Most have in common that they aim to relax the breathing muscles.
- Drink lukewarm water slowly in small sips. So you automatically hold your breath and your breathing muscles can relax.
- The same applies to sticking out your tongue and holding active air.
- The Vasalva method consists of closing the upper airways and building up internal pressure. Breathe in, close your mouth and cover your nose. Now slowly build up pressure as if you wanted to exhale. The eardrums are arched outwards and the chest is pressed together. However, do not maintain this pressure too high or for too long. 10-15 seconds are sufficient.
Here you can find more information about home remedies for hiccups.