Hiccups are a common experience. They manifest as involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, followed by a characteristic “hic” sound. While usually harmless and temporary, they can be bothersome, leading many to seek quick remedies.
The Anatomy of a Hiccup
Hiccups originate from an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, a large, primary breathing muscle. This spasm causes a sudden intake of air. The glottis—the opening between the vocal cords—then snaps shut rapidly, blocking the air and producing the distinctive “hic” sound.
The entire process is part of a reflex arc, an involuntary pathway involving nerves. The phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, and the vagus nerve are key players in this reflex. Irritation or stimulation of these nerves can trigger the diaphragm to contract, leading to a hiccup.
The Science Behind Holding Your Breath
Holding your breath is a widely used method to stop hiccups, and its effectiveness stems from two main physiological changes it induces. One effect is the buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, as your body continues to produce CO2 but cannot exhale it.
This elevated CO2 level signals the brain to prioritize breathing regulation, which can help to reset the hiccup reflex. Additionally, holding your breath can stimulate the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a long nerve influencing various involuntary bodily functions, and its stimulation can disrupt the hiccup reflex arc.
Other Ways to Stop Hiccups
Beyond holding your breath, several other remedies aim to interrupt the hiccup reflex, often by stimulating the vagus or phrenic nerves or by distracting the nervous system. Drinking cold water or gargling with cold water can stimulate the vagus nerve in the throat, which may help to reset the diaphragm’s rhythm. Similarly, swallowing a spoonful of sugar works by irritating the pharynx and stimulating the vagus nerve, potentially overriding the hiccup reflex.
Maneuvers that involve bearing down, such as the Valsalva maneuver (exhaling forcefully against a closed airway), or even being startled, can also be effective. These actions create sudden changes in pressure within the chest or provide a strong sensory input that can disrupt the involuntary hiccup cycle. The goal of these approaches is to either calm the irritated nerves or distract the brain from the hiccup reflex.
When Hiccups Don’t Go Away
While most hiccup episodes are brief and resolve on their own, some can persist. Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours are considered persistent, and those extending beyond a month are termed intractable. Prolonged hiccups might indicate an underlying medical condition.
Various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders like GERD, central nervous system issues, nerve irritation, or even some medications, can be associated with persistent hiccups. If hiccups are severe, interfere with eating or sleeping, or last longer than two days, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can evaluate for underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment.