The doctor warned about the danger of prolonged hiccups
Hiccups are often harmless, but in some cases they indicate diseases of the stomach, lungs, or nervous system. Valeria Antyufeeva, a gastroenterologist at SM Clinic, told Izvestia on March 18 about why hiccups occur, what diseases they can occur in, and what ways you can try to stop them.
"Hiccups are involuntary, repetitive contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and participates in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts sharply, rapid inhalation occurs, and the glottis closes for a short time. As a result, there is a characteristic sound," the specialist explained.
Most often, hiccups do not pose a threat and go away on their own. It can be caused by quite everyday factors, such as eating or drinking too quickly, especially if a person swallows air at the same time. The cause may also be overeating, especially fatty foods, which slows down the emptying of the stomach and irritates the diaphragm. Very cold or hot drinks, as well as severe stress, excitement, or sudden fright can also provoke hiccups.
However, as Antyufeeva noted, in some cases, hiccups may be associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hernia of the esophageal orifice of the diaphragm.
"With GERD, stomach contents are thrown into the esophagus. The acid irritates the mucous membrane and can affect the diaphragm or vagus nerve, which causes hiccups. With a hernia of the esophageal orifice of the diaphragm, part of the stomach is displaced into the thoracic cavity. This creates additional pressure on the diaphragm and can cause involuntary spasms. In such cases, hiccups can become one of the signs of an exacerbation of the disease," Antyufeeva warned.
Hiccups may also be associated with pneumonia, the doctor added. With pneumonia, the inflammatory process affects the pleura and diaphragm, activating nerve endings, and frequent coughing creates additional pressure on the diaphragm, which contributes to its spasms. In some cases, hiccups may occur due to tumors affecting the diaphragm or nerves such as the phrenic or vagus nerve, which causes it to contract.
"Prolonged hiccups can occur with chronic alcoholism. In this case, it is associated with the toxic effects of alcohol on the nervous system and internal organs," the doctor added.
Although there is no universal way that is guaranteed to stop hiccups, several methods can help to cope with this condition. For example, swallow a teaspoon of sugar without water, eat a piece of ice, slowly eat dry bread or chew a slice of lemon. Small sips of ice water or a massage of the hard palate can also help. Holding your breath for ten seconds, breathing into a paper bag (with care to avoid dizziness), or pulling your knees up to your chest and leaning forward can also be effective methods.
In most cases, hiccups are temporary. However, if it lasts more than two days, it is recommended to consult a doctor for examination and rule out possible diseases, the doctor concluded.
Olga Kitenko, gastroenterologist at the Perm clinic "Pro Family", said on Thursday, February 19, that the majority of outdated or non-existent diagnoses are based on the use by doctors of information relevant 10-15 years ago. According to the specialist, the most common example of a non-existent diagnosis in gastroenterology is "exacerbation of chronic gastritis." Most patients have encountered this diagnosis, but from the point of view of modern medicine, it is absolutely incorrect, she noted.
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