Hiccup

A sudden, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and often the intercostal muscles, followed by abrupt closure of the glottis, producing the characteristic inspiratory sound.

Causes

• Short-term causes

  • Dietary and behavioral factors

    • Eating quickly

    • Aerophagia (swallowing air)

    • Carbonated drinks

    • Alcohol consumption

  • Emotional triggers

    • Sudden excitement

    • Fear or emotional stress

  • Temperature-related triggers

    • Sudden changes in body temperature

    • Rapid ingestion of very hot or cold foods or beverages

• Persistent hiccups

  • Gastrointestinal causes

    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

    • Gastritis

    • Gastric distension

    • Esophageal irritation

  • Nerve irritation causes

    • Vagus nerve irritation

    • Phrenic nerve irritation

    • Lesions affecting the diaphragm or mediastinum

    • Postoperative irritation

  • Central nervous system causes

    • Stroke

    • Meningitis

    • Encephalitis

    • Brain tumors or other CNS lesions

  • Metabolic and systemic causes

    • Kidney disease

    • Diabetes mellitus

    • Electrolyte imbalances

    • Uremia

  • Medications: Corticosteroids, tranquilizers, opioid drugs