Hiccups

Overview

Hiccups are sounds which result from repeated spasms of your diaphragm and closing of the vocal cords. The reason why people get this is not clearly known. Some possible causes of hiccups include eating or drinking too quickly, eating too much, drinking carbonated drinks, alcohol consumption, use of certain medications such as benzodiazepines, and stress. However, hiccups can also mean something more serious especially if it is permanent, for example, tumour, cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and stroke. It can also due to injury of the diaphragm during chest surgery. Hiccups are not life-threatening, but they can lead to trouble in eating and embarrassment. There are a few ways to stop hiccups, such as avoid drinking water quickly, gagging, gargling with water, breathing into a paper bag, holding your breath, and swallowing crushed ice or bread. Medications to treat persistent hiccups are gabapentin, chlorpromazine, and baclofen.