What is hiccups and why does it appear?

Surely in more than one occasion you have suffered from a hiccup attack, which can sometimes be mild and disappear in a moment and at other times it lasts longer to disappear to the point of becoming as well as annoying, uncomfortable.

Hypo is an involuntary spasm involving a movement of the diaphragm followed by a closure of the vocal cords with what appears that characteristic noise of what is known as hiccups.

Hiccups are normal for newborns and infants However, in adults there are times when we should pay attention to the duration of hiccups.

As we said before it usually does not take long to disappear but in some cases they last for hours and in these cases we should go to the doctor.

When hiccups suddenly appear and disappear without causing any health consequences, it is called "acute hiccups". When the hiccup reaches more than 48 hours, it is diagnosed as "persistent hiccups".

We must go to the doctor when the hiccup attack lasts more than 48 hours since it could be related to other conditions or diseases that we might be suffering.

What symptoms should alert us when accompanied by hiccups

When hiccups are accompanied by headaches.
Vomiting
Visual alterations.
When in addition to hiccups we feel very thirsty.
Difficulty urinating.
When it causes reflux.
When we feel pressure in the chest.

In the presence of these symptoms we must go to the doctor to make the timely review and rule out possible diseases that could be masked after hiccups.

Diseases that could hide in a persistent hiccup

Disorders of the central nervous system such as: encephalitis, meningitis, abscesses.
Diabetes.
Conditions in the metabolism such as: low level of calcium in the blood.
Renal insufficiency.
Stomach ulcer.
Esophagitis
Pancreatitis
Vascular disease
Multiple sclerosis.
Pneumonia.
Myocardial infarction.

Another cause that is common and can cause hiccups that can last between 48 hours and a month is suffering from gastroesophageal reflux.

This is because gastroesophageal reflux produces regurgitation, burning and may even cause coughing.

In what situations is it normal for hiccups to appear?

After an operation upon awakening from anesthesia.
When we have done an endoscopy.
When we have taken drinks with gas.
When we eat quickly.
When we have exceeded eating.
When we have ingested spicy foods.
When alcohol is abused.

How to calm the hiccups naturally

Hold your breath for a few minutes.
Drink water regularly and in small sips.
Gargle.
Eat a piece of toast or dry bread.
Put yourself in a fetal position
Eat a spoonful of sugar.
Breathe inside a paper bag.

As we have said before, the hiccups usually appear without major consequences disappearing in a few minutes, however when the attack of hiccups persists and does not disappear, even lasting more than 48 hours, we must go to the doctor without delay.