Hiccups are the common problem found in the people and all most all will be wondering, what causes hiccups as it produces unusual sound. It is very important to know how to get rid of hiccups also because, if it continues without stopping it needs medication as it might cause serious problem.

In medical terminology Hiccup is referred to as Hiccough or Singultus. Hiccups are asynchronous and one cannot have a control over it. People might be wondering how the sound will be generated during hiccups. Hiccups occur suddenly and the diaphragm will be squeezed involuntarily. Diaphragm is the main muscle present under the lungs which will help breathing process. When the diaphragm is squeezed the air will be sucked very quickly into the lungs wherein glottis (present just above the larynx which is also called as voice box) will be opened and closed at a greater speed. This closing and opening of glottis will lead to the wondering sound of hiccups.

Generally hiccups have been classified into 3 categories:

1. Normal: If the hiccups are found lasting below 48 hours they are considered as normal and generally it will stop by its own.

2. Protracted: These hiccups will occur for more than 48 hours and will not exceed one month. These hiccups are also called as persistent hiccups.

3. Intractable: If the hiccups are found occurring more than a month then they are classified as intractable hiccups.

Normally hiccups will stop by their own but if the hiccups are found lasting for a month or more then it needs some sort of medical intervention.

Common causes for hiccups:

1. Stretching of stomach: Generally when a person eats more food or drinks more liquid, hiccups are caused due to increased size of stomach.

2. Eating at greater speed: When food is consumed in a faster rate there will be chances of taking in air which will lead to hiccups.

3. Stomach acid: Hiccups are also caused when acids from stomach move towards the esophagus.

4. Change of stomach temperature: When a person consumes hot and cold food/drinks simultaneously one after the other there will be dramatic change in the temperature of stomach which is also a very common cause found in the people now a day.

5. Alcohol: Consuming more alcohol will also increase the chances of hiccupping.

6. Nervous disorder: Brain tumors and strokes which are directly linked to nerves and brain stems will increase the chances of hiccups. When phrenic and vagus nerves are damaged hiccups will occur and will last for long duration. So an immediate medical treatment is required for these problems.

7. Noxious fumes: Inhaling noxious fumes will also cause hiccups in a person.

8. Stress and anxiety: When a person becomes stressed or nervous there are chances for hiccups which will occur for a shorter duration or lasts for a long term.

How to get rid of hiccups

Stopping hiccups is very simple and here are few ways to get rid of hiccups in no time. People have been following many traditional ways to stop hiccups and here are some of them. If you have got hiccups then try to remember what happened yesterday, try to remember all your school friends names, grab a glass of water and drink, consume some sugar etc… All these ways do not have scientific proofs but they have been used by people from long time and it will work for sure as it will distract you from hiccupping.

National Health Service (NHS) of UK has proved that below mentioned procedures will surely stop the hiccups.

1. Take a paper bag and breathe into it. This will make the diaphragm to expand and compress and will reduce the hiccups.

2. Holding the breath for some time (15-20 secs) will work as it will give some time for diaphragm to relax.

3. Leaning forward such that chest portion is compressed will reduce the hiccups.

4. Drink a glass of ice water which will activate the nervous system and brings them back to normal state.

When the hiccups are found to occur for more than 48 hours then there is an immediate medication required. NHS has made a survey and has come up with a general list of prescriptions for hiccups.

* Haloperidol
* Baclofen
* Gabapentin
* Metoclopramide
* Chlorpromazine

With the initial treatment itself, generally patients will have some reduction in the hiccups rate. If not the dosage might be increased.

Here are few ways to prevent hiccups from occurring.

1. Avoid consuming hot and cold food simultaneously.
2. Reduce alcohol consumption
3. Try to prevent overeating
4. Do not eat at a higher pace, eat normally and be safe

When a hiccup is occurred there is no need to worry follow the traditional methods for hiccups and if not cured follow the methods mentioned by NHS under how to get rid of Hiccups section.