A hiccup is a brief involuntary contraction of the muscles in the diaphragm. This muscle separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a vital role in breathing. After every contraction, a quick closure of your vocal cord follows, this typically produces the ‘hic’ sound.Hiccupping is often rhythmic and may at times go hand in hand with, a partial tightening sensation of your throat, chest, and abdomen. In most instances, hiccups are resolved or cured in a short duration of time, and very rare as medical emergencies. Visit your doctor when your hiccup lasts for three hours or more, or if they are frequently affecting your sleeping patterns, eating habits, cause food reflux or vomiting, severe abdomen pains, spitting blood, or shortness of your breath.
Chronic or severe hiccups that aren’t curable at home, we advise you to consult a doctor. Medical treatment can include anesthesia medication that helps to block phrenic nerve. Disabling the phrenic nerve through surgery is usually the treatment of the last resort.Hiccups are commonly caused by:
