What causes hiccups during exercise?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been experiencing hiccups after every exercise session, and I would like to consult about the possible causes of hiccups during physical activity.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Hiccups that occur during exercise are usually caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm (the muscle located between the chest and abdominal cavity). Causes include:
1. Dehydration: Sweating during exercise leads to fluid loss in the body. If fluids are not replenished promptly, it may cause muscle tension or spasms, including in the diaphragm, resulting in hiccups.
2. Inhaling cold air: During exercise, breathing through the mouth may cause large amounts of cold air to be inhaled, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bloating or diaphragm spasms, thereby triggering hiccups.
3. Increased abdominal pressure: High-intensity or prolonged exercise may increase abdominal pressure, causing upward displacement of the diaphragm and inducing diaphragmatic spasms that lead to hiccups.
4. Nervous system response: Sometimes, hiccups may be a response by the body to certain nerve stimulations generated during exercise.
5. Changes in breathing patterns: During exercise, our breathing rate increases to meet the body's oxygen demand. If breathing techniques are improper, such as excessively shallow and rapid breathing, it may irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups.
