What causes hiccups in humans?
May 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Hiccups refer to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, also known as singultus. Hiccups may be associated with overeating, emotional stress, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pleurisy, hypocalcemia, and other causes. In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, stay positive each day, prevent related diseases, and ensure adequate calcium intake to reduce the occurrence of hiccups. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.
Generally speaking, hiccups refer to singultus. Singultus may be caused by overeating, emotional stress, reflux esophagitis, pleurisy, hypocalcemia, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Overeating
Consuming excessive food in one sitting can lead to gastric distension and increased stomach pressure, which stimulates the diaphragm and triggers diaphragmatic spasms, resulting in singultus. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort. No special treatment is required for this condition. Avoid consuming large amounts of food at once, and engage in light physical activity after meals—such as walking—to help promote digestion and absorption.
2. Emotional Stress
In states of tension or anxiety, the body's sympathetic nervous system becomes overactive, affecting the functions of the respiratory and digestive systems. The diaphragm receives abnormal stimulation, leading to singultus. This may also be accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cold sweats. It is important to learn to regulate one’s mindset, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, and avoid excessive anxiety or stress.
3. Reflux Esophagitis
This condition arises when substances from the stomach or duodenum flow back into the esophagus, causing lesions in the esophageal mucosa. During reflux, these substances may stimulate the diaphragm, triggering diaphragmatic spasms and resulting in singultus. Symptoms may also include acid regurgitation, painful swallowing, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as omeprazole, sucralfate chewable tablets, and ranitidine hydrochloride capsules.
4. Pleurisy
Pleurisy is caused by bacterial or viral infections, or certain diseases such as tuberculosis or tumors, leading to inflammation or infection within the pleural cavity. This inflames the pleura, stimulating the diaphragm and causing diaphragmatic spasms, thereby inducing singultus. Symptoms may also include fever and chills. Treatment should follow medical advice and may involve medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, amoxicillin capsules, and ibuprofen tablets.
5. Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia results from insufficient calcium intake, impaired calcium absorption, or excessive calcium excretion, leading to increased neuromuscular excitability, which may trigger diaphragmatic spasms and cause singultus. Other possible symptoms include hand and foot twitching, muscle cramps, pain, and arrhythmias. Treatment should follow medical instructions and may include calcium gluconate injection, calcium carbonate D3 tablets, and lactate calcium oral solution.
To prevent the occurrence of singultus, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, adopt a positive and optimistic mindset, prevent conditions such as reflux esophagitis and pleurisy, ensure adequate calcium intake, and promote overall health to reduce the burden of hiccups.
