A hiccup is an unintentional movement (spasm) of the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs. The spasm is followed by quick closure of the vocal cords, which produces a distinctive sound.
Alternative Names:
Singultus
Considerations:
Hiccups often start for no apparent reason and usually disappear after a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups can persist for days, weeks, or months. Hiccups are common and normal in newborns and infants.
Common Causes:
Abdominal surgery
Any disease or disorder that irritates the nerves that control the diaphragm (such as pleurisy or pneumonia)
Hot and spicy foods or liquids
Noxious fumes
Stroke or tumor affecting the "hiccup center" in the brain
There may be no obvious cause for hiccups.
Home Care:
There is no sure way to stop hiccups, but there are a number of common suggestions that may be effective:
Breathe repeatedly into a paper bag.
Drink a glass of cold water.
Eat a teaspoon of sugar.
Hold your breath.
Review Date: 1/18/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Internal Medicine
