What causes frequent hiccups?

Frequent hiccups, medically known as hiccupping, are a common symptom usually caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. Common causes include:

1. Gastritis: Gastritis is associated with infection by pathogenic bacteria; excess stomach acid or food irritating the inflamed area may trigger hiccups.

2. Central nervous system disorders: Brain tumors, strokes, encephalitis, and other conditions affecting the respiratory center may lead to persistent hiccups.

3. Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as opioid analgesics and antidepressants, may induce hiccups.

4. Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional states can affect nerve regulation and cause hiccups.

5. Improper eating habits: Eating too quickly or excessively, especially consuming gas-producing foods (such as potatoes and taro), may cause rapid stomach expansion, stimulating the diaphragm and resulting in frequent hiccups. It is recommended to improve eating habits and avoid eating too quickly or to the point of fullness.

6. Diaphragmatic hernia: When organs from the abdominal cavity or retroperitoneal space herniate through openings in the diaphragm into the chest cavity, they may compress the diaphragm and cause hiccups. Patients with this condition should seek timely medical attention for surgical treatment.