Hiccup

Hiccups are the spasmodic and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm (a dome shaped muscle located between the stomach and chest that helps the breathing process).

>Symptoms: A sudden tightening of the diaphragm which produces a hiccupping! Noise when it contracts the epiglottis (a valve-muscle in the throat which helps in the swallowing of food or directing the air to the lungs). This disorder may last from a few minutes up to years.

>Causes: Causes are really not known. It is thought that hiccups can be produced through eating very fast or by swallowing too much air while eating.

>Suggested treatment:There are many remedies to fight this disorder; nevertheless, the results will vary in different cases. The following are some of them:

1– Swallow a 1/2 of sugar slowly. It has been found that in some way sugar blocks the nerves that moves the diaphragm. Small children may be given 2 tablespoons of sugar dissolved in a little bit of water.2- Gargle with water.3- Drink a glass of water lying down or with the head titled downward.4- Hold your breath for as a long as possible.5- Swallow crushed ice.6- Place a bag with ice on the stomach for a few minutes.7- Chew and swallow dry bread.8- Suck a lemon.

Bibliographic references: “Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology” of the U.S. In addition to Nos. 62, 63, 79, 80.