Info on hiccups

what causes hiccups
(24 May 2007)

Experiencing hiccups after eating is a fairly common condition. However the answer to why do we hiccup is not as common. The lungs are located in the chest cavity of the human body.

These are vital organs that are necessary when it comes to oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide removal from the blood stream. The chest cavity is also home to the heart, the organ responsible for pumping oxygenated blood into the system. Below the chest cavity lays the abdominal cavity. The two cavities are separated by a diaphragm. Apart from separating the two cavities, the diaphragm also plays a significant role in the functioning of the lungs. During inhalation, the diaphragm pulls downwards, thus making the lungs expand. During exhalation, the diaphragm pushes upwards, thus expelling air from the lungs. The lungs do not actually expand and contract on their own. It is the action of the diaphragm that helps this process take place.

The diaphragm performs its movements throughout the day. The functioning of the breathing system is actually quite interesting. An individual is capable of holding his or her breath and of completely controlling the breathing process. However, when the individual is not paying attention to the process of breathing, the body takes over and performs this function involuntarily. This is one of the few processes in the body that is both voluntary and involuntary. Hiccups occur when the diaphragm spasms. There may be several reasons for the spasm to take place. A hiccup results in an awkward sound being emitted from the mouth. Hiccups also lead to a jerk in the chest and throat. It should be noted that the diaphragm spasms in a downward direction to generate a hiccup.

The causes of hiccups are varied and are often related to a specific individual and his or her body. Some individuals may not be affected by a substance or action that could cause hiccups in another individual. There are some common causes of hiccups that affect nearly all individuals. These common causes of hiccups include stress and excitement. These causes of hiccups also include situations where an individual may eat, drink or swallow too fast and situations where the individual may be suffering from a throat infection.

It should be noted that hiccups will affect every individual at some point in his or her life. An individual who has a chronic hiccup episode will need to visit a doctor to have his or her body checked. However, most people have random hiccup attacks and can seek hiccup remedies at home to cure this irritating condition. There are many ways to get rid of hiccups. There are different hiccup remedies that are a part of folklore. Different communities and races of people have varied hiccup remedies that have been passed down from one generation to the other.

There are some hiccup remedies that work. An individual with hiccups needs to relax his or her body and relax the pace of breathing. As the body relaxes, the tension that could be causing the hiccups will disappear. Some people also suggest holding of the breath as a good way of getting rid of hiccups. This can be attempted, but the individual should not hold his or her breath for too long as it would cause giddiness and may even lead to diminished consciousness. There are also many people who believe in curing hiccups with sugar. This involves placing sugar on the tongue and rapidly swallowing it.
The science behind curing hiccups involves getting the body to relax. It is almost always some form of rapid movement or stressful situation that leads to the development of hiccups. In most cases, hiccups tend to go away if the individual stops paying attention to the condition. However, as mentioned above, chronic hiccups would need to be treated at the earliest.

answered by G R on 5 Apr 2011, 1:36:28

One reason for hiccups is heavy medicines after surgery. Such hiccups are difficult to cure and may take longer. If body needs water, then too instead of thirst signal, hiccups may be experienced. Causes chest problem, restlessness. Home remedies:

Take a little (pinch or two) asafetida with clarified butter.

Suck ice.

Enema cures hiccup if they are due to constipation.

Keep something in mouth most of the time.

Drinking mixture of 10 gm of basil leaves juice and 5 gm of honey also relieves hiccup.

Simplest trick is to press soft part of the tongue for some time, holding tongue front in thumb and index finger.

answered by S B on 25 May 2007, 11:56:48

Info on hiccups

what causes hiccups (24 May 2007)

what causes hiccups
(24 May 2007)