Hiccups are a unique albeit temporary condition that can affect anyone. While bouts of hiccups typically only last for a couple minutes at a time, there are a few rare cases where an individual maintains a bout of hiccups long enough for the condition to interrupt eating, sleeping, and concentrating. Occasionally, hiccups can be an indication of an underlying issue. If hiccups become so regular that they begin to disrupt daily activities, medical attention may need to be sought.
By definition, hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm—the muscle that plays a pivotal role in respiratory function. The contraction is completed when the vocal cords close, producing the familiar “hic!” sound. These noises, along with a tightening feeling in the chest, comprise the only symptoms of hiccups. Hiccups typically occur after food or drink is consumed too quickly, or when one is under extreme emotional distress. Alcohol consumption, specifically, is most likely to induce hiccupping. Other common causes of hiccups include:
- Consuming carbonated beverages
- Eating too much
- Excitement
- Swallowing air (as with chewing gum)
- Sudden changes in temperature
As mentioned above, there are rare cases where individuals begin exhibiting symptoms of hiccups due to an underlying medical reason. Nerve damage and/or irritation to the vagus or phrenic nerves and some central nervous system disorders can cause recurring bouts of hiccups. By treating the underlying cause, medical professionals can help their patients find relief from the hiccups.
Self Help
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent hiccups, there are some creative options that you can try to stop your hiccups in their tracks. While some of these methods may not work for all people all the time, they can bring welcome relief to some sufferers. These methods include but are not limited to:
- Holding your breath
- Sipping ice cold water
- Massaging the back of the mouth with a Q-tip
- Sucking on a sugar cube
- Swallowing three tablespoons of vinegar
- Breathing into a paper bag
- Being suddenly startled
Western Treatments
Most people who get hiccups generally have to simply “ride it out”—that is, they must wait until their symptoms resolve themselves on their own. It is only after an individual has had recurring bouts of hiccups lasting long enough to cause disruption in everyday activities that someone should seek the assistance of a medical professional. Working with a doctor may help identify whether or not an individual’s hiccups are due to an underlying medical issue. If your hiccups are recurrent, your doctor may recommend that you increase your B vitamin intake.
A Case Study in TCM Treatment
A 42-year-old man began complaining of frequent episodes of hiccups for the previous two years. All of the health care professionals that he had seen over the years were at a loss. Traditional Chinese diagnosis found that his pulse was wiry and rapid, while his tongue was red with a grey coating. He began to take a combination of three separate herbal mixtures while adopting the practice of massaging the back of his mouth with a Q-tip every time he came down with a bout of hiccups.
The first herbal mixture contained calcium carbonate, bupleurum root, ginseng root, ginger root, pinellia rhizome, scute root, cinnamon twig, rhubarb rhizome, and vladimiria souliei. The second herbal mixture contained coptis rhizome, lophatherum herb, bupleurum root, raw rehmannia root, tang kuei root, white peony root, akebia trifoliata caulis, anemarrhena root, phellodendron cortex, gentian root, alisma rhizome, plantago seed, scute root, sophora root, forsythia fruit, gardenia fruit, licorice root. The final herbal mixture contained isatis extract leaf and root, oldenlandia herb, lonicera flower, prunella herb, andrographis herb, laminaria leaf, viola herb/root, cordyceps fruiting body, licorice root.