Hiccups
HICCUPS is defined as a recurring, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm due to irritation of the respiratory centre in the brain. Hiccups generally come and go innocently.
Hiccups are a common malady and fortunately usually transient and benign. The common denominator among various hiccup cures seems to be stimulation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, but, as for every self limiting disease, there are always many effective cures.
Hiccups are usually precipitated by some combination of laughing, talking, eating, and drinking, but may also occur spontaneously.
Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large sheet of muscle slung beneath the lungs that, together with the intercostal muscles, causes us to breathe.
Symptoms of Hiccups
The symptoms of hiccups include:
- A sharp contraction or spasm of the diaphragm that is felt just below the breastbone.
- Air is involuntarily sucked into the throat.
- The closing epiglottis makes a 'hic' sound.
- Hiccups usually stop after a few minutes.
Causes of Hiccups
The muscular activity of the diaphragm is controlled by nerves. Hiccups occur when particular stimuli trigger the nerves to send the diaphragm into spasms. It is not known why this occurs. Given below is list of some causes of hiccups :
1. Inside abdomen: Inflammation of the peritoneum, intestinal obstruction, abscess below the diaphragm, liver abscess, consumption of excessive spicy food
2. Inside thorax: Enlarged heart, tumors, asthma, and goitre.
3. Toxic causes: High fever, blood poisoning, shock.
4. Neurological: Inflammation of brain membrane, due to TB, viral and bacterial infections
5. Kidney failure, complications of diabetes.
6. Hysteria, sudden laughter, rapid gulps of food, swallowing of cold or hot drinks.
Management of Hiccups
1. Try something bitter e.g. sucking a lime.
2. Put a finger down your throat. A little gagging may be enough to stop the hiccups.
3. Drink a glass of water.
4. Pinch the nose shut and blow out against it.
Medical treatment of Hiccups
Prolonged hiccups should be medically investigated. This hiccups cure WORKS for virtually all cases. The method works especially well on children. It works for geriatric case, cancer victims, tobacco chewer's, and for people who get the hiccups frequently. This method instantly STOPS the hiccups. Sometimes, hiccups may return within an hour or so. Treatment options may include:
- Treatment for the underlying disorder
- Changes to current drug dosages
- Switching to another form of nicotine therapy
- Anti-spasmodic drugs to calm the diaphragm
- A tube inserted into the nose (nasogastric intubation)
- A nerve block
- Surgery, to sever some of the nerves servicing the diaphragm.
|
