Singultus
Hiccups occur when your diaphragm (the thin layer of muscle that separates your chest cavity from your abdomen) suddenly and involuntarily contracts (tightens).
As your diaphragm contracts, it causes you to breathe air in very quickly. The incoming air is stopped when your glottis (the opening between your vocal cords) closes suddenly, producing the characteristic sound of a hiccup.
Most cases of hiccups occur for no apparent reason. Everyone experiences a short bout of hiccups from time to time. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.
In some cases however, short-term hiccups may appear to have a specific trigger, such as:
People experiencing short-term hiccups usually pass without the need for treatment.
In rare cases, hiccups that last 48 hours or longer can be caused by an underlying condition or a medication you are taking, although in many cases a cause is not identified.
Some of the conditions that can cause long-term hiccups include:
Persistent hiccups can sometimes also be caused by a reaction to certain types of medication, such as:
If an underlying cause of long-lasting hiccups can be identified, treating this cause can help improve the problem.
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Hiccups occur when the diaphragm suddenly and involuntarily contracts (tightens), resulting in a hiccup sound being produced at the top of the windpipe.
Hiccups occur when your diaphragm (the thin layer of muscle that separates your chest cavity from your abdomen) suddenly and involuntarily contracts (tightens).
Most cases of hiccups do not require medical treatment and will usually stop after a short period of time.