Hiccups might sound funny. Hiccups might just be a passing cloud. But they are a part of our anatomy. We often panic when we get them and confused with their cause. So, it’s always good to know everything about the Hiccups.
The Hic sound
There is an organ in our respiratory system called Diaphragm. This Diaphragm contracts and expands to allow air into our lungs. In the case of Hiccups, this Diaphragm gets into some involuntary contractions. Such sudden movements would also close the vocal cords at once... and that is the reason for the HIC sound.
But why?
Scientists are not sure of the reason for Hiccups. But some say that such reflex has developed in mammals to flush out the air locked up in the stomach while drinking milk. That might be the reason why Hiccups are found only in those mammals that drink milk... and this might also explain why kids feeding on milk are the ones who suffer with Hiccups often. This explanation proves the reason why elders warn us to wait till our kids burp after having milk to avoid Hiccups.
Other Reasons:
There are some other reasons that might trigger Hiccups...
- Eating food quickly and in huge quantity.
- Intake of Alcoholic beverages.
- Swallowing much air while breathing or eating.
- Unstoppable laughing.
- Getting emotional through fear, excitement, stress....
- Eating dry or spicy food.
Home Remedies:
Hiccups might not be painful but are certainly disturbing. We have a lot of tried and tested methods to treat Hiccups...
- Having a teaspoonful of Sugar or Honey would help to soothe the irritated nerves and thereby calm down the diaphragm.
- Increasing the levels of Carbon dioxide might also solve the problem. This can be done either by holding your breathe for a while or inhaling into a paper bag.
- Let someone surprise or frighten you. We may have seen this in many films and read it in numerous jokes, but trust our elders... it works!
- There is another method called `Vagus nerve stimulation` which is done by swallowing huge chunk of dry bread, provoking a sneeze, dragging the tongue out etc.
When to panic:
Hiccups may not last for more than few hours. But if they last for more than 48 hours, then it might be a situation that should better be sorted out by a doctor. Because! Persistent hiccups might be a symptom of some serious problem in our nervous system. They might even be a hint for malfunctioning of our kidneys. Even if they are not hinting anything dangerous, persistent hiccups might result in fatigue and restlessness.
- Nirjara.
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