Answers

Anirudh Yadav
Jul 28, 2020

Most people are more interested in how to stop hiccups! Hiccups are unintentional movements, or spasms, of the diaphragm followed by rapid closing of the vocal cords. A spasm is a sudden muscle jerk. The diaphragm is a thin dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of the chest. It separates the organs in the chest (heart and lungs) from the organs in the abdomen (stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, and intestines). When a person inhales, it is because the diaphragm is pulling down to help pull air into the lungs. When a person exhales, it is because the diaphragm is pushing up to help push air out of the lungs. Intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs and have a lesser role in breathing, are also affected by hiccups. These muscles help us breathe, speak, sing, and cough.

When the diaphragm becomes irritated, it misbehaves. It pulls down in a jerky way, sucking air into the throat suddenly. When that rushing air hits the voice box, it makes the sound we know as a hiccup. The causes are different for each person. But one thing is common to all hiccup cases: irritation of the diaphragm. Hiccups can be caused by eating too much or too fast. Drinking very hot or very cold beverages can also bring on hiccups. Other causes include cold showers, entering or leaving a hot or cold room, or any sudden excitement or stress. Eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol, breathing in suddenly, sneezing, laughing, and coughing can all lead to hiccups.