Hiccup is sudden, unintentional contraction of the diaphragm
muscle. The diaphragm lies at the base of the lungs and is essential for normal
respiration. Phrenic and vagus nerves that control the diaphragm play an
important role in its function.
Excessive eating
and drinking, as well as consumption of carbonated beverages may irritate the
diaphragm and cause hiccups. Also sudden temperature change (i.e. hot – cold
showers and hot – cold drinks) and emotional stress have been found to play a
role on its onset. Hiccups can also be psychogenic or idiopathic. Some drugs
(benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alpha methyldopa, etc.) may cause hiccup.
Though usually a
mild self-limited disorder, hiccup may be persistent and related to serious
underlying illness such as neoplasms, congenital malformations, multiple
sclerosis, vascular lesions, hyponatremia, hypocapnia, hypokalemia,
hyperglycemia, uremia, goiter, hepatitis, cholecystitis, pneumonia, aneurysm,
peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, glaucoma and hernia.
Should hiccups become persistent, medical evaluation is mandatory.
Simple remedies for
the cure of hiccups of benign origin:
1. Hold your breath
2. Pull your knees
up to chest and lean forward
3. Bite a lemon
4. Drink a glass of
ice-cold water
5. Eat a teaspoon
of dry granular sugar
6. Avoid emotional
stress and think of something pleasant
7. Relax and repeat
in ten minutes.
Modern medicine
provides a number of effective drugs to treat hiccups.
ANASTASIA
MOSCHOVAKI, M.D.
• Office: 10
Fragopoulou Str. 14561, Kifissia
• Tel./Fax : +30
210 6252770
• Hospitalization -
emergencies: +30 6945575287
•
http://anastasiamoschovaki1.blogspot.com
• E mail amoschovaki@yahoo.gr.
