Hiccups: symptoms, causes and ways to get rid of them

Almost everyone has experienced hiccups. Conditions accompanied by the sound ' hik ' this often makes us feel uncomfortable and rush to drink water to relieve it. Actually, what are hiccups? Check out the full review below.

What are hiccups?

Hiccups, or what is known by the term singultus in medical parlance, it is a "hic" sound that occurs accidentally when the diaphragm muscles tighten or contract uncontrollably. The diaphragm itself is a muscle separating the chest and abdominal cavities that plays an important role in human respiration.

As a result, air enters the lungs suddenly. This causes the airway valve to close very quickly, resulting in a squeezing sound.

Hiccup or singultus is a very common condition. Almost every person must have experienced. This situation can also affect people of all ages, including infants and children. Hiccups in babies are also very common, even since the baby is still in the womb.

Fortunately, this condition usually only lasts a few minutes and is not a health hazard. However, in some very rare cases, hiccups can be persistent and don't stop for several days, even months. This could indicate another health problem.

What causes hiccups?

The causes of hiccups can occur due to various things, ranging from problems with organs, nerves, to the types of drugs you take.

However, usually acute or mild hiccups are caused by common things, such as:

• Drink soft drinks
• Drink too much alcohol
• Eating too much
• Emotional excitement or stress
• Sudden temperature changes
• Swallow air while chewing gum or sucking on candy.

Apart from the causes above, there are various triggers that also cause the condition to last up to more than 48 hours.

Usually, the cause of the hiccups that don't stop for a few days can be caused by various medical conditions, such as:

1. Brain problems

The condition of the brain blood vessels with problems can result in disruption of brain function, and this affects the appearance of this condition. Several diseases due to problems with brain blood vessels that can cause these conditions include:

• Stroke
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Brain aneurysm

2. Problems with the peripheral nervous system

Long-term hiccups can also be caused by damage or irritation to the peripheral nervous system, which also affects the movement of the diaphragm muscles.

3. Abnormalities in the digestive system

According to a study from Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility , hiccups are conditions that are likely to be closely related to digestive system problems, such as:

• Increase in stomach acid
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Esophageal tumor or cancer

4. Postoperative hiccups

Some cases of tightening of the diaphragm occur after surgical procedures. Use of anesthetic before surgery can cause this condition. However, until now it is not certain whether the condition arises due to the operation itself or was triggered by the use of anesthetic.

5. Metabolic system disorders

A problematic metabolic system can be the cause of long-term hiccups. Diseases that are usually related to the body's metabolic system are diabetes and kidney failure.

6. Consumption of certain drugs

The following are medicines that can trigger hiccups:

• Parkinson's treatment
• Morphine
• Steroids
• Barbiturate drugs
• Azithromycin
• Aripiprazole

What are the complications that arise from hiccups?

In general, this condition does not endanger health, especially those that are classified as mild or acute. However, you need to be aware if this condition is chronic or persistent for more than 48 hours.

The various complications that arise due to long-term hiccups are:

1. Weight loss and dehydration

If this condition lasts for a long time and has short breaks, it may be difficult for you to eat and drink normally.

2. Insomnia

If this condition persists, even while you are asleep, it is likely that you will have difficulty sleeping and continue to wake up at night.

3. Fatigue

Chronic hiccups are exhausting for the body, especially if they affect your eating and drinking habits.

4. Difficulty communicating

Not only eating and drinking, this condition may also cause disruption of your communication with other people.

5. Depression

Clinical depression is another complication that may originate from persistent hiccups.

6. Longer wound recovery

Persistent hiccups can cause postoperative wounds to take longer to heal. This certainly increases the risk of infection or bleeding after surgery.

How do I check the cause of hiccups?

As previously explained, generally this condition will go away on its own, in less than 48 hours. However, if the hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, get yourself checked out.

The doctor may perform several tests to find out what is causing your hiccups to persist by performing a physical and nerve examination to find out:

• reflex
• balance
• coordination
• vision
• sense of touch
• muscle strength
• muscle shape

If the doctor suspects that there are other health problems in your body that can trigger the hiccups, then the following tests will be performed.

1. Laboratory tests

Your doctor will take a sample of your blood. The sample will be checked in the laboratory for conditions such as diabetes, infection, or kidney disease.

2. Imaging tests

In addition, your doctor may also order imaging tests to look for any abnormalities affecting the vagus nerve, phrenic nerve, or diaphragm. The tests that will be done include an X-ray test, CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

3. Endoscopy test

Not only the two tests above, the doctor may also perform an endoscopy test. The procedure is to insert a small camera that is contained in a thin, small, flexible tube.

A tube with a camera is then inserted through your throat to check for any disturbances in your esophagus or windpipe.

How do you get rid of hiccups?

Usually, this condition can disappear on its own without the need for medical help or treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several ways to get rid of hiccups that you can try, such as:

• Breathe with a paper bag
• Gargle with ice water
• Hold your breath for a few seconds
• Drink cold water
• Eat smaller portions
• Avoid soft drinks and foods that trigger gas production in the body

However, there are times when this condition is caused by other health problems and symptoms persist for even more than 48 hours. Doctors will usually prescribe the following medicines for hiccups that don't go away:

• Chlorpromazine
• Anticonvulsant drugs (anticonvulsants)
• Simethicone
• Prokinetic drugs
• Baclofen
• Nifedipine
• Midazolam
• Methylphenidate
• Lidocaine
• Sertraline