Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 11/12/2021
Doctor's Notes on Hiccups
A hiccup is the term that refers to a sudden involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle. When this happens, the vocal cords snap shut and create the characteristic sound associated with hiccups. Most cases of hiccups go away on their own and are not associated with other symptoms and signs. Eating too rapidly or eating or drinking too much are the most common causes of hiccups.
Medical conditions can sometimes cause hiccups, but this is much less common. Medical conditions that might cause hiccups include:
- stroke,
- brain tumors, or
- conditions or injuries that irritate the nerves that control the diaphragm.
Sometimes, taking certain medications increases a person’s risk of having hiccups. These medications include, among others:
- levodopa,
- benzodiazepines, and
- medications to treat acid reflux.
What Is the Treatment for Hiccups?
There are a number of ways to get rid of hiccups, including:
- Drinking cold water
- Swallowing foods such as pieces of bread or sugar
- Gargling with water
- Briefly holding your breath
- Pulling on your tongue
- Gagging by placing a finger in the opening to the throat
Cases of chronic hiccups may require management with prescription medications.
Human Body : Human Body Systems & Organs Quiz
QuestionWhat percentage of the human body is water?
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Acute Kidney Failure
Kidney failure, or the ability of the kidneys to filter water and waste, is caused by prerenal, postrenal, or renal problems with the kidney(s). Symptoms of kidney failure include decreased urine production, confusion, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, problems concentrating, edema, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Treatment for kidney failure depends upon the cause. -
Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is defined as when the quantity of alcohol the person consumes produces behavioral or physical abnormalities. Alcohol is the generic term for ethanol. A person who is intoxicated with alcohol they may have euphoria, poor coordination and movement, poor judgment, memory loss, slurred speech, confusion, and even coma and death if the person consumed enough alcohol. Gender, coexisiting medical conditions, and medications may have an effect on the level of alcohol intoxication a person experiences. -
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors, and rapid heart rate are some physical symptoms of severe anxiety, which may arise from a mental or physical condition, drug use, or some combination of these causes. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy. -
Choking
Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, preventing a person from breathing effectively. Choking can cause a simple coughing fit or complete blockage of the windpipe resulting in death. -
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an acute infection and inflammation of the brain itself. This is in contrast to meningitis, which is an inflammation of the layers covering the brain. Encephalitis symptoms and signs include headache, fever, fatigue, seizures, and photophobia. Treatment depends upon the cause of the encephalitis. -
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver disease (NASH, NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic related steatohepatitis) is a disease where by there is an increased accumulation of fat in the liver. This fat accumulation can lead to cirrhosis and possibly liver cancer. Fatty liver disease is caused by a diet high in fat and calories, association with other diseases and conditions, and certain medications. Treatment for fatty liver disease depends on the cause of fat accumulation in the liver. -
Head Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury)
Head injury is a general term used to describe any trauma to the head, and most specifically to the brain itself. Several types of head injuries may occur such as skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding) such as subdural or epidural hematoma. Treatment of a head or brain injury depends on the cause and severity of the injury. Skull fracture: A skull fracture is a break in ... -
Liver Disease
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, and is actually an gland. The liver has a wide variety of critical functions such as manufacturing proteins and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates. The liver also eliminates harmful biochemical waste products from the body (alcohol, drugs, toxins).The liver secretes bile that aids in digestion. Examples of diseases of the liver include; cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and fatty liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver). Symptoms of liver disease include bleeding, easy bruising, edema, fatigue, and jaundice. -
Meningitis in Adults
Meningitis is an infection of the layers around the spinal cord called meninges. This potentially life-threatening condition can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, or reactions to medications or environmental toxins. -
Meningitis in Children
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the spinal cord or brain. Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacterial and viral meningitis is caused by a virus. Meningitis symptoms in children include vomiting, rash, stiff neck, fever, seizure, nausea, increased sensitivity to light, and altered mental status. Treatment may incorporate a breathing tube, a heart and breathing monitor, IV fluids, catheterization, and administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen. -
Smoking (Cigarette)
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of death and illness among Americans. Effects of smoking can cause cancers, emphysema, bronchitis, COPD, chronic cough, and more. Smoking cessation includes nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral therapy. -
Stress: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment, and Management
All of us experience stress. But how does it affect your body? Learn about symptoms, causes, management, and treatment.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.