Follow-up – Suzanne Hassan
Hiccups occur as a result of involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscles, due to some external influences, which leads to the entry of larger amounts of air into the lung, and rapid closing of the trachea and vocal cords, resulting in the well-known hiccup sound.
Causes of frequent hiccups:
Hiccups are divided into two types:
One lasts less than 48 hours
The other is chronic hiccups that last for more than 48 hours
1_ Recurrent hiccups that persist for less than 48 hours:
These are the common hiccups and the main causes are:
1_ Drink a lot of soft drinks.
2_ Excessive drinking of alcohol.
3_ Eat a lot of food.
4_ Emotions and emotional tension.
5_ Swallowing large amounts of air when chewing gum, for example.
2_ Causes of chronic recurrent hiccups:
1_ Pneumonia.
2_ A defect in the part of the brain responsible for involuntary muscle contraction.
3_ multiple sclerosis, esophageal reflux disease, and goiter
4_ Problems with the metabolism of the body
5_ Crohn’s disease, stomach ulcers, or appendicitis.
6_ Taking some medications, such as: chemotherapy. (Benzodiazepine), steroids (barbiturates), morphine, and narcotic drugs.
Some tips to relieve hiccups are as follows:
1- Breathe into a paper bag.
2- Gargling with water.
3- Hold your breath.
4- Drink cold water in one sip.
5- Avoid drinking a lot of soft drinks.
6- Eat small meals, and chew food well before swallowing.
7- Avoid hot and spicy foods, as they can exacerbate hiccups.
8- Drink small amounts of water regularly throughout the day to ensure you stay hydrated.
You are always well and healthy.