When the diaphragm and the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, suddenly contracts then hiccups happens. When that happens, air is taken in, and then the voice box closes shut, which is what causes the "hic" sound. There are different types of hiccups, named after how long they last.
A "regular" bout of hiccups can last up to 48 hours.
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm ''the muscle that separates chest from abdomen and plays an important role in breathing. Each contraction is followed by a sudden closure of vocal cords, which produces the characteristic "hic" sound.
Hiccupping is a symptom. It may sometimes be accompanied by a slight tightening sensation in chest, abdomen or throat.
The most common triggers for hiccups that last less than 48 hours include:
Hiccups that last more than 48 hours may be caused by a variety of factors, which can be grouped into the following categories.
A cause of long-term hiccups is damage to or irritation of the vagus nerves or phrenic nerves, which serve the diaphragm muscle. Factors that may cause damage or irritation to these nerves include:
A tumor or infection in our central nervous system or damage to our central nervous system as a result of trauma can disrupt our bodies normal control of the hiccup reflex. Examples include:
Long-term hiccups can be triggered by:
Men are much more likely to develop long-term hiccups than are women. Other factors that may increase our risk of hiccups include:
Prolonged hiccups may interfere with:
NUX VOMICA : Very useful for hiccups from overeating, from cold, or hot drinks.Helpful for hiccups with indigestion.Given when patient experiences a weight and pain in stomach. There is nausea and vomiting, nausea more in the morning after eating. Also given when vomiting and diarrhea associated with hiccups.
IGNATIA AMARA : Useful for hiccups from silent grief, shock, and disappointment.Excellent medicine for hiccups from smoking. Useful for hiccups with empty or bitter belching after eating and drinking. Helpful for hiccups with empty feeling at the epigastrium.
RATANHIA : Effective medicine for hiccups. There is violent hiccup which comes soon after eating , especially if he had been without food for a long time.Useful for hiccup which causes pain in stomach.There is long continued hiccup after dinner. Also useful when hiccup is causes by gas in stomach or abdomen which are distended
AMMONIUM MURIATICUM : Useful for hiccup with stitching pain which extends to right scapula and upper arm. There is an empty gnawing sensation in stomach after a full meal
HYOSCYAMUS NIGER : Useful for hiccups which occurs after operation of the abdomen.Very useful for hiccups from concussion of brain.est for hiccup of nursing children.
RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS : Best medicine for hiccup after alcoholic drinks.There is violent hiccup with convulsions and frequent eructations .
CYCLAMEN : Best for hiccup during pregnancy with or without vomiting. Also useful for hiccup after eating.There is salty taste in mouth, hiccup like eructations.