Hiccups |
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Hiccups (or hiccoughs) are sudden,
involuntary squeezes of the diaphragm,
which is located under the lungs. This
squeezing action quickly sucks air into
the lungs and simultaneously shuts a
valve (glottis) above the voice box
(larynx). This shutting makes the sound
of a hiccup. Hiccups are very common
and are often annoying. They will usually
subside on their own or after the use
of a few simple remedies.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hiccups are a
reflex action which means you that they
can not be controlled. Their occurrence
does not seem to serve any useful purpose
and they are more common in the evening.
The cause of hiccups has baffled scientists
for many years. However, there are certain
conditions that are commonly occur before
hiccup fits. Consuming a large meal,
eating spicy foods, eating too fast,
gulping carbonated beverages, excessive
alcohol consumption, smoking, drinking
a cold drink while eating a hot meal,
sudden change of air temperature (for
example, taking a cool shower), and
feeling nervous or excited are believed
to cause hiccups.
In extremely rare cases, the underlying
cause of hiccups can be due to a serious
condition, such as irritation of the
diaphragm by some infection, irritation
of the nerve that controls the diaphragm
(phrenic nerve) because of cancer or
chest surgery, brain infection or tumor,
kidney failure, overactive thyroid gland,
pneumonia, malaria, multiple sclerosis,
abdominal surgery, metabolic disorders
such as hyperglycemia, and the side
effects of certain drugs such as tranquillizers
and hypnotics.
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