Hiccups: causes and methods of treatment. Medications to suppress hiccups
Hiccups are a phenomenon familiar to everyone since childhood. A hiccupping person looks funny, but his own feelings are far from pleasant. In most cases, this condition passes quickly enough, but sometimes it becomes debilitating. chronic form. The Guinness Book of Records records a case where a person hiccupped (and without visible physiological reason) for 68 years.
Physiological essence of hiccups
Hiccups are an uncontrollable breathing reflex. The mechanism of its occurrence involves the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, larynx, and nerve endings. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscular septum that separates the abdominal cavity and sternum. It is its vibrations that allow the lungs to expand when inhaling and contract when exhaling. During hiccups, smooth movements of the diaphragm are replaced by convulsive, jerking ones, and the intercostal muscles work in the same rhythm. The result is a very short inhalation that is blocked by the epiglottis (hence the characteristic sound), and for a split second a kind of suffocation occurs.
Any movement in human body is the result of the interaction of ubiquitous control nerves with the brain as well as the spinal cord. The phrenic nerves, which originate from the cervical spine, are responsible for the contraction of the diaphragm. spinal cord. The vagus nerve connects the brain and the peritoneum, affecting the larynx. Approaching the esophagus, it splits from pronounced trunks (left and right) into several branches that surround the esophagus, forming a plexus. The anterior and posterior branches squeeze through the rather narrow diaphragmatic opening along with the esophagus, so irritation or stretching of its walls has a direct effect on the control nerves.
Hiccups are a product of the transmission of a nerve impulse to the brain and spinal cord along a reflex arc when the diaphragm is irritated and vagus nerve. The brain instantly responds with a signal that causes a sharp diaphragmatic contraction. The hiccups will stop when the transmission of impulses stops, and control of the movement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles returns to the control of the respiratory center.
Causes and types of hiccups
Causes, causing hiccups, are mostly quite harmless, but in some cases, such a failure of breathing indicates a serious pathology.
Physiological hiccups
There is no concern about physiological (episodic) hiccups, which are provoked by the following reasons:
- hypothermia (causes convulsive contraction of muscle tissue);
- stress (temporary disruptions in the transmission of nerve impulses occur);
- esophageal irritation (too hot, cold, or fatty food, large pieces, drinking alcohol);
- rapid swallowing of food, accompanied by air entering the esophagus and stomach;
- uncomfortable body position.
There is an opinion among experts that hiccups are one of the methods of the body’s defense system. In the above cases, spasms of the diaphragm and esophagus indicate inadequate quality of food, its excess or toxicity. The signal from the vagus nerve immediately enters the brain, and the person begins to hiccup. For the same reason, hiccups often occur in young children, since their body reacts to irritants quickly and smoothly. Such hiccups go away quite quickly - within 5-25 minutes, sometimes they resume again (typical for people intoxicated).
Pathological
Pathological hiccups (ICD-10 code : R06.6) – companion of diseases. It often bothers you every day for several days, weeks or even months. The attacks continue for hours, sometimes for days, in some cases accompanied by heartburn, headache, vomiting, and a feeling of general weakness.
Frequent hiccups in smokers, resulting from irritation of the vagus nerve toxic substances, indicates the development of pathological processes in the stomach or duodenum (ulceration, reflux esophagitis).
Examples of pathological hiccups:
- hiccups that continue for more than one day, accompanied by copious salivation, may indicate problems with the brain or spinal cord, or damage to the nervous system;
- hiccups with cough, pain in the back and sides indicate lung damage (pleurisy, pneumonia);
- if periodic hiccups are complicated by a headache, it is felt general weakness body, worry aching pain in the neck and shoulders, then the development of osteochondrosis is likely.
If you are worried about frequent and prolonged hiccups, then you should carefully listen to your body for additional symptoms.
Treatment
Even short-term hiccups are a strong irritant. There are many popularly tested ways to get rid of it. The simplest and most popular of them are:
- drink from an inclined position warm water in small sips;
- swallow a little finely crushed ice or eat ice cream;
- breathe quickly into a paper bag, placing it tightly on the nasal area;
- eat something bitter or sweet;
- gently pull the tongue by the tip;
- eat a teaspoon of sugar without drinking it;
- lubricate the throat with oregano oil;
- apply cold to the diaphragm area;
- cover your ears with your fingers and drink water from a cup placed on the edge of the table;
- drink chamomile tea, lemon water, or apple cider vinegar(teaspoon per 250 ml);
- sniff ground pepper to induce sneezing;
- from a sitting position, raise your arms up, move them back a little and stretch with effort for 15 seconds;
- inhale sharply, hold your breath, bend slightly and press on the diaphragm area for a few seconds.
In some cases, even repeatedly repeated sayings like “hiccups, go to Fedot” work, but this is not the case higher powers, and in the position of the diaphragm at a certain breathing rhythm. Often the hiccups stop if the person is scared or distracted.
Each body is individual, so those recipes that work flawlessly on some people do not work at all on others. Traditional methods all the more powerless if hiccups are a consequence of pathology. In such cases, a medical examination by a neurologist, endocrinologist or gastroenterologist is necessary. The following studies may be prescribed:
- blood tests for sugar, helminthic infestation, infections;
- endoscopy windpipe and esophagus;
- cardiogram;
- CT or MRI;
- X-ray of the diaphragm.
To relieve hiccups caused by neurological reasons, doctors prescribe the following remedies:
- Corvalol;
- Chlorpromazine;
- Finlepsin;
- Aminazine;
- Difenin;
- Haloperidol;
- Pipolfen.
If you need to relax the diaphragm muscles due to irritation of the vagus nerve or problems with functioning respiratory system, then Baclofen is prescribed.
When hiccups are a consequence of stomach fullness, peristalsis stimulants help: Peristil, Cisapride. To relieve attacks caused by digestive problems, drugs such as:
- Metoclopramide;
- Motilium;
- Omeprazole;
- Cerucal;
- Scopolamine.
Taking medications on your own to block long-term hiccups without finding out its causes is dangerous.
If medications If they are powerless, they resort to surgery aimed at blocking the nerves. An example of such a manipulation is a blockade using the Vishnevsky method. In some cases, acupuncture and hypnotherapy effectively relieve hiccups.
Hiccups can occur at the most unexpected moment, so methods of getting rid of them are selected depending on the situation: a glass of water or breathing exercises. If cramps appear systematically after eating, then you should reconsider your diet and eating regimen. Chewing thoroughly, a calm environment during meals, and small portions are simple measures that will avoid irritation of the esophagus. In cases where hiccups become obsessive and are accompanied by additional symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Treating hiccups is a challenging task. If hiccups bother a person very often, you can resort to different methods to get rid of it. For pathological (persistent) hiccups, a number of medications are used. What is the most effective remedy for hiccups and how to choose it correctly?
Frequent hiccups can be eliminated with medications.Antispasmodics
If involuntary spasms occur that cause discomfort and pain, it is necessary to use medications based on drotaverine, which eliminate this symptom and pain. In addition, such medicines for hiccups restore organ function, relax muscle tone, and help normalize blood supply:
- "No-spa" is a medicine that effectively relieves spasms. This drug can be used both in the form of an injection solution and in the form of tablets. At intravenous administration, the medicine begins to act within 5 minutes. The medicine can be used by pregnant women not only to eliminate hiccups, but also to prevent miscarriage. Treatment of hiccups in children with this medicine can begin from the age of 6 years. If the spasms do not stop within 2 days, you should immediately consult a doctor.
- "Spazmonet" is sold in tablet form. The tablets will effectively and quickly relieve muscle tone, without affecting the autonomic and central nervous system. Pregnant women and children under 6 years of age should use only under medical supervision.
Remedies for the treatment of hiccups associated with digestive problems
If a patient has problems with digestion and is tormented by cramps, then the following remedies for hiccups are prescribed:
- "Omeprazole" is part of the group of inhibitors, these are medications that are used during the treatment of peptic ulcers gastrointestinal tract. The drug is produced in the form of white film-coated capsules. When taken, it blocks secretion of hydrochloric acid, relieving heartburn attacks. The tablet is effective within 5 minutes after administration. Treatment of hiccups with this drug for children under 12 years of age and for pregnant women is contraindicated.
- "Cerucal" is available in the form of tablets and solution for injection. The drugs have blocking and weakening properties in the tone of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. "Cerucal" prevents attacks of reflux and hiccups. Children aged 2−14 years should use only as directed and under the supervision of a doctor. Pregnant women should use Cerucal during the 1st-3rd trimester only if the benefits justify the risks.
- Scopolamine is used in neurology as a sedative and relaxant. antiemetic. Sold in the form of powder for injection, solution and suppository. The medicine has many contraindications and should only be used under medical supervision. Used in pediatrics for children under 1 year of age. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, Scopolamine is contraindicated.
Treatment in adults and children for disorders of the nervous system
If there are disturbances in the functioning and excitability of the nervous system, or stress, prolonged and painful attacks of spasms are possible.
- In such cases, drug treatment is carried out with the following medications:
- "Haloperidol" is used for disorders of the nervous system. Available in the form of pills and drops. Has a calming and relaxing effect. Effective for severe and prolonged attacks of hiccups, vomiting and nausea. The use of the medicine in children 3−12 years of age is possible only under the strict supervision of a physician.
- "Pipolfen" exists in the form of solutions for intravenous and intramuscular administration and in the form of pills. This is an antiallergic medicine that blocks receptors located in the central nervous system. Has a relaxing and calming effect. Helps calm attacks of hiccups and reflux. In pediatrics it is used from 1 year. The use of the medicine is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. "Difenin" relieves the symptoms of seizures without causing hypnotic effect . Effective at stomach cramps
, during hiccups and involuntary reflux. Tablets are taken after meals 3 times a day. Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. For children under 5 years of age, use under strict medical supervision.
In case of irritation of the vagus nerve or the development of pathologies of the respiratory system hiccups due to irritation of the vagus nerve or the development of pathologies of the respiratory system are carried out with the help of such medications. “Baclofen” has a strong calming effect on the nervous system, relaxing muscles, and providing an analgesic effect, and is used for strokes.
The dose for children is determined depending on the condition and severity of the disease. This medicine is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
Therapeutic drug regimen At severe attacks
- hiccups, drug treatment should be based on a regimen of medications that help cope with attacks: Omeprazole is effective in increasing the symptoms of ulcers, heartburn and hiccups. Take the medicine once in the morning before meals. The 0.02 g capsule should be swallowed whole with water. To improve the condition and cure the ulcer, it is enough to drink the medicine for 2 weeks. If after this time there is no improvement, double the dosage to 0.04 g, drink once a day in the morning. To avoid relapse, ulcers and concomitant diseases
, the medicine is taken once a day in the morning, 0.01 g for 4 weeks. - Severe hiccups should be treated with medications depending on the underlying cause. "Baclofen" is used for spinal cord injuries, stroke, sclerosis, in pediatrics for cerebral palsy, convulsions, and heart attack. The dosage for adults at the very beginning is 15 mg per day. It is necessary to gradually increase the dosage over three days until signs of improvement in the patient's condition appear. An indicator of improvement would be relaxation muscle tone
- Chlorpromazine is taken after meals with water. Initially, the medicine is dosed at 25-100 mg per day up to 4 times a day. Then the dosage is increased by 25-50 mg, taken for 3-4 days until positive health indicators. If no effect is observed, it is allowed to increase the dose from 700-1000 to 1200-1500 mg per day. This amount must be divided into 4 doses. The course at higher doses should not last longer than 1.5 months. If the results do not improve, the patient cannot be cured, it is necessary to change the medicine.
As you can see, the causes of hiccups are very diverse. Which medicine is best, how to take it, as well as the type and name should be determined by the doctor after full examination and identifying the cause of attacks.
Hiccups are a fairly common phenomenon, which is one of the varieties of physiological myoclonus and can greatly annoy the person suffering from it. Perhaps, in terms of the degree of discomfort it causes, hiccups can rightfully take one of the first places on the list of the most unpleasant ailments.
It occurs with equal frequency in both men and women. However, the disease, which occurs in a protracted form and cannot be treated, occurs in men in 80% of cases. Despite the fact that hiccups are observed in children an order of magnitude more often than in adults, in adults their attacks are more severe.
Hiccups are usually classified as disorders of the respiratory system that accompany diseases of various etiologies. They are a reflection of a typical reaction respiratory organs to pathological stimuli that provoke tissue damage and disruption of normal activity internal organs and body systems, as well as being the direct cause of the development of any pathological process in the body. Hiccups occur as a result of a series of diaphragmatic contractions, reminiscent of convulsive tremors, and its characteristic manifestations are short breathing movements high intensity.
Mechanism of occurrence
Hiccups are caused by sudden involuntary twitching of the muscles of the diaphragm (the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavity), which is accompanied by a strong deep breath and a sharp contraction of the muscles of the larynx. The closing of the vocal cords that occurs during this process leads to the formation of a typical sound that is usually accompanied by hiccups.
The most common prerequisite for the development of hiccups in a child or an adult is irritation of the peripheral nerves located in the larynx and diaphragm, as well as stimulation of the brain centers that play a key role in ensuring the function of the diaphragm and larynx.
Another prerequisite may be irritation of the intercostal muscles and other muscles that are involved in respiratory process. However, hiccups that develop according to this algorithm are quite rare.
Causes of hiccups
The following circumstances can cause hiccups:
- Severe general hypothermia (hypothermia especially often provokes hiccups in newborns and young children);
- Hypothermia accompanied by alcohol intoxication;
- Hasty consumption of food, which may result in excessive swallowing of air along with food or drinks;
- Eating a large amount of foods that cause bloating (carbonated drinks, fast food, etc.);
- Excessive filling of the stomach with food and, as a consequence, its overdistension. In this case, an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the esophagus occurs, accompanied by a violation of the swallowing function, food getting stuck in the esophagus and the occurrence of convulsive contractions at the junction of the esophagus with the stomach;
- Irritation of the peripheral nerve in the diaphragm, which is a kind of manifestation nervous tic. Tic occurs as a response to stimulation of the diaphragm muscles under the influence of the phrenic nerve;
- Certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, inflammation of the esophagus);
- Certain diseases of the chest organs (for example, myocardial infarction, pneumonia and even oncological diseases lungs);
- Certain diseases of the nervous system, as well as the spinal cord and brain (for example, damage to the brain stem or damage to segments of the spinal cord located in upper section neck);
- Toxic effects caused by alcohol consumption, as well as certain medications;
- Infectious diseases;
- Inflammatory processes affecting the liver;
- Disorders of metabolic processes in the body;
- Congenital malformations.
The cause of hiccups can also be psychogenic factors: stress, strong arousal, excitement, hysterical state, anxiety, states of shock, psychoses, various types of personality disorders, etc. Most often they provoke hiccups in young women.
How to get rid of hiccups: remedies and methods
There are a number of simple recommendations on how to get rid of hiccups. Since hiccups are a consequence of certain breathing difficulties, first you need to perform several exercises to restore and normalize it. For example, take as much air as possible into your lungs and then exhale it in small portions over several approaches, holding your breath briefly before each exhalation, or perform a series deep breaths-exhale, pressing the paper bag tightly to your face.
In cases where hiccups in a child or an adult are caused by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, breathing exercises do not bring relief, but a spoonful of honey, acidified lemon juice, water or just a slice of lemon help stop it.
One more effective means for hiccups is regular ice. It can be absorbed into pure form, add to water or place in a heating pad, which is then placed on the diaphragm area.
Manual therapy and acupressure. Must be massaged closed eyes, abdomen in the intestinal area, the area where the chest connects to the collarbone, ears And middle phalanx little finger All movements should be performed in a circle and without strong pressure.
TO unconventional methods To stop hiccups, it is also customary to include tickling. The essence of this method is that laughter caused by tickling must be restrained, and this, in turn, leads to holding the breath.
If folk remedies hiccups do not provide the desired relief, or this state repeats too often, medications are prescribed. Helps cope with illness intramuscular injection cerucal, taking motilium or scopolamine. In any case, you should consult your doctor before resorting to drug treatment.
Hiccups in newborns
Hiccups in newborn babies are quite common. Its first attacks are detected even in six-week-old embryos in the mother's womb.
In a newborn, hiccups are spastic contractions of the diaphragm muscles, accompanied by short exhalations that are highly intense. It can be either short-term (a few minutes) or long-term - up to two days. Prolonged hiccups can often be a symptom of a rather serious disease.
Causes of hiccups in babies:
- Swallowing air while eating;
- Too large portion of food;
- General hypothermia;
- Thirst;
- Stress as a reaction to loud sounds or a visit from strangers.
To get rid of hiccups, it is necessary to eliminate the factor causing it, for example, warm the child, turn off the music, etc. To avoid unpleasant condition caused by feeding, it is recommended to hold the baby for a while after stopping feeding. vertical position.
Hiccups are convulsive contractions of the diaphragm, during which a person performs short breathing movements and strongly protrudes the stomach. Essentially, this is a reflex that helps get rid of excess air from the digestive organs.
Causes
There are many factors that influence the appearance of this condition. So, the causes of hiccups include the following:
- Stomach fullness. In such a situation, the volume of the digestive organ increases significantly. It compresses the diaphragm and the vagus nerve, causing the person to hiccup after eating.
- Hiccups after eating due to eating hot and cold foods, spicy foods, dry food. In such a situation, food leads to irritation of the lining of the esophagus. As a result, the vagus nerve is affected, and information about this is sent to the brain. As a response, a sudden contraction of the diaphragm occurs, and the person experiences hiccups after eating.
- Alcohol consumption. When drinking alcohol, the mucous membrane of the esophagus and pharynx is irritated, which provokes intoxication of the human body. As a result of alcohol consumption, the functioning of the diaphragm and vagus nerve is disrupted. This is why hiccups occur during heavy meals and alcohol consumption.
- Intoxication with medications. In such a situation, in adults it is by-effect from use medicines. Their components provoke problems in the functioning of the nervous system. As a rule, this symptom appears under the influence of muscle relaxants, sulfonamides and anesthesia drugs.
- Stressful situations. They have a serious impact on the functioning of the nervous system and cause problems with the transmission of impulses from the brain to the organs. In this case, the center is excited, which is responsible for contracting the diaphragm, after which the disease occurs.
- Hypothermia. Convulsive contraction muscle tissue aimed at preserving heat. Vibration of the diaphragm reminds a person of hiccups.
- Laughter. In this case, after a strong inhalation, the person makes several sharp exhalations. As a result, the functioning of the respiratory center suffers.
The most dangerous thing is that hiccups can be a sign of a serious illness if they appear too often:
- Heartburn
- Gastritis
- Cholecystitis
- Peptic ulcer disease.
- Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The appearance of constant hiccups leads to:
- Aortic aneurysm
- Myocardial infarction.
- Pathologies of the respiratory system. These include:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Pleurisy
- Tumor formations.
In addition, the frequent appearance of nudug is a consequence of such serious diseases as:
- Meningitis
- Stroke
- Tumor formations
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal hernia
- Traumatic head injuries.
If this condition does not go away for several days, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination - perhaps it is one of the symptoms of a dangerous disease.
Symptoms
Manifestations of pathological hiccups include the following:
- Systematic contraction of the diaphragm - throughout the day or several times a week
- Chest pain when hiccupping or swallowing
- The appearance of heartburn
- Sensation of a foreign object in the esophagus
- Heavy salivation - indicates a disturbance in the functioning of the nervous system or brain
- A sudden cough that accompanies hiccups and provokes pain in the side or back may indicate pulmonary disorders
- Headache, discomfort in the shoulder and joints - such symptoms may indicate osteochondrosis.
Hiccups may have different durations. Depending on this, there are the following varieties:
- Short-term or episodic – lasts 10-15 minutes. As a rule, it appears when overeating, hypothermia, drinking alcohol, or taking certain medications.
- Long lasting - appears every day and does not go away for several hours or even days. This is a more serious condition that is caused by the presence of dangerous diseases. Thus, central hiccups occur with meningitis, heart attack, gastritis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma and other pathologies, peripheral is caused by pathological processes in the diaphragm, and toxic is associated with the use of drugs and alcohol.
Features in children
In newborns, this condition occurs quite often. As a rule, it does not pose a health risk and is associated with swallowing air while eating. Other reasons for this condition in infants associated with fear, bloating or hypothermia. To stop it, it is enough to calm it down, give the baby something to drink or feed.
Sometimes this symptom indicates problems with the nervous system or diaphragm. Also, hiccups in children can be a consequence of helminthic infestation.
In older children, the disease is usually caused by rapid absorption of food. If the baby hiccups briefly and not often, there should be no cause for concern. To remove this symptom, you can give the child something to drink, do breathing exercises, or massage the earlobe.
If this condition occurs quite often in children or the child complains of other symptoms, you should consult a doctor. The causes of constant hiccups in children can be hernias in the esophagus, pneumonia and even cancer.
Diagnostics
To determine the causes of the disorder in adults and children and select adequate treatment, the following research needs to be done:
- Analysis of the patient's medical history and complaints - frequency of occurrence and duration of the disease, dependence on food intake.
- Study of life history - the presence of pathologies of the digestive organs, diseases of the endocrine or respiratory system.
In some cases, the patient requires consultation narrow specialists– for example, a surgeon or gastroenterologist. You may also need to be examined by a neurologist and psychiatrist.
Ways to get rid of hiccups
Ideally, hiccups should stop involuntarily after about 5-15 minutes, but you can get rid of them faster at home. Special exercises will help stop hiccups in children and adults: 
- You need to take a deep breath and then exhale the air little by little. In this case, before each exhalation you need to hold your breath a little.
- Grasp the edges of the paper bag tightly with your hands and, pressing it to your face, breathe intensely and frequently. It is important to ensure that air does not enter the bag.
- You can drink a glass of water in small sips.
It’s easy to get rid of hiccups at home if they are caused by digestive disorders. The following remedies will help remove this symptom:
- Eat sweet product– a spoonful of sugar or honey
- Eat something sour - for example, a slice of lemon
- Drink a glass of cold water
- If the condition is associated with alcohol consumption, you need to eat hot food.
Many people are interested in how to get rid of hiccups quickly. Stimulation helps stop this condition reflex zones. To do this you need to influence active points, in which the receptors of the nervous system are localized.
Treatment of hiccups with medications
If no remedy helps, treatment consists of using medications. This condition can be cured by a doctor who will determine the causes of this symptom.
Typically, tablets are prescribed for persistent or frequent hiccups - for example, if this symptom does not go away throughout the day. Drug treatment is carried out in the following situations:
- The symptom occurs regularly
- The attack does not go away for more than 48 hours
- Accompanied by heartburn and painful sensations behind the sternum
- The condition is caused by various diseases.
In addition, the doctor may treat based on symptoms:
- For high excitability of the nervous system and stress, antipsychotics are prescribed. They help normalize the functioning of the nervous system and reduce the speed of transmission of impulses from the brain to organs and systems. Your doctor may prescribe a hiccup remedy such as Chlorpromazine or Aminazine.
- If the vagus nerve is irritated or pathologies of the respiratory system develop, muscle relaxants are prescribed. They promote relaxation of skeletal muscles and reduce excitability of the diaphragm. In this case, the medicine Baclofen helps stop the disease.
- Get rid of hiccups after eating, drinking alcohol or having problems with digestive organs antiemetic drugs help, which reduce sensitivity nerve cells. Treatment can be carried out with the help of Cerucal.
Stimulants of gastrointestinal motility are also indicated. This treatment helps food move through the intestines as quickly as possible and helps relieve the feeling of fullness in the stomach. Peristil or Cisapride will help stop hiccups.
In addition, treatment can be carried out using histamine receptor blockers. Such drugs reduce the synthesis of hydrochloric acid and eliminate inflammation during gastritis. Treatment is carried out with Omeprazole. Its duration is determined by the state of health.
Thank you
"Hiccup, hiccup, go to Fedot,
From Fedot to Yakov, from Yakov to everyone,
And from everyone... fuck you hiccups
To my swamp..."
Wonderful plot from hiccups. The most interesting thing is that it often helps. Until now, some people seriously think that hiccups are an invading “evil spirit” that should be driven out, or that it is news from a person who suddenly remembered. Others have even gone far, conducting fortune telling by hiccups depending on the days of the week, and even the time of day, assessing signs by the hour when a person began to hiccup.
But it has long been known that hiccups are not an anomalous phenomenon, but a very real reflex reaction of the body to various factors. Most often, hiccups are harmless, pass through several dozen “hikes”, do not recur and do not cause trouble to a person. But hiccups can also be one of the symptoms any disease, and even exhaust the patient with constant attacks.
So, hiccups are an uncontrollable physiological reflex phenomenon that leads to short-term breathing problems. With hiccups, spontaneous inhalation occurs due to contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, but unlike normal inhalation, air does not enter the lungs due to the blockage of the airways by the epiglottis. This creates a kind of shortness of breath.
Why do hiccups occur?
In order to understand how hiccups occur, it is necessary to understand how breathing occurs and how it is ensured.How does breathing happen?
So, when you inhale, air enters the upper Airways, through the larynx into the trachea, bronchi and alveoli. During inhalation, the respiratory muscles contract: the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. At the same time, the diaphragm, which in a relaxed state has the shape of a dome, flattens, and the chest with the sternum rises, thereby providing a pressure difference and air entering the lungs. Exhalation occurs spontaneously due to relaxation of the respiratory muscles.
Picture 1.
Schematic representation of the change in the diaphragm during inhalation and exhalation.
When swallowing, the airway is blocked by the epiglottis. This is necessary to ensure that food does not enter the trachea and bronchi. They close when talking vocal cords, which are located in the larynx - this is how sounds are formed when the air flow moves through them.
Regulation of breathing. Breathing is regulated by the nervous system. The breathing centers, which are located in the medulla oblongata of the brain, are responsible for it and work automatically. Information about an increase in the content comes to the breathing center carbon dioxide in the blood, they transmit impulses to the respiratory muscles, which contract and inhalation occurs. The stretching of the lungs is “monitored” by the vagus nerve, which transmits impulses to the respiratory centers - the respiratory muscles relax and exhalation occurs.
Nervus vagus. Nervus vagus ( nervus vagus) is involved in the occurrence of hiccups. It is a complex nerve that comes from the brain and has many functions. It is the vagus nerve that is responsible for the functioning of internal organs, heart activity, vascular tone, protective reflexes such as coughing and vomiting, and regulates the digestive process. When it is irritated, the hiccup reflex occurs.
What happens during the hiccup process and how does the characteristic sound arise?
1. Irritation of the vagus nerve by various factors (overeating, hypothermia, alcohol, etc.).2. The vagus nerve transmits nerve impulses to the spinal cord and brain.
3. The central nervous system decides to spontaneously contract the respiratory muscles. The breathing centers temporarily lose control of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
4. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles suddenly begin to contract convulsively, but at the same time the epiglottis closes the airways and the vocal cords close.
Figure 2.
Schematic representation of hiccups.
5.
Inhalation occurs, but the air flow cannot enter the lungs because of the epiglottis, the air hits the vocal cords - this is how the characteristic “hic” sound appears.
6.
A reflex arc of hiccups is initiated.
7.
The action of the vagus nerve ends, the level of carbon dioxide in the blood rises, the respiratory centers take control of the respiratory muscles, and the normal breathing, the hiccups stop. If irritation of the vagus nerve continues, attacks of hiccups are repeated.
Irritation of the vagus nerve occurs when:
- nervous system disorder;
- disruption of the digestive organs;
- irritation of the pharynx and larynx;
- inflammation of the lungs and pleura;
- mechanical compression of the vagus nerve;
- in case of heart rhythm disturbances.
Causes of hiccups
What causes and why does hiccups appear? And the reasons are very diverse, these can be temporary factors or various diseases.Hiccups in healthy people
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Hiccups sometimes occur for a short period of time; this may be due to the following reasons: 1. Hiccups after eating: overeating, eating quickly, mixing food with liquids, drinking carbonated drinks, bloating due to poor nutrition or eating “bloating” foods.
2. Hiccups while eating: quickly absorbing food, talking with a “mouth full”, drinking large volumes of water with food.
3. Hiccups after alcohol: severe alcohol intoxication, a large number of snacks, reception alcoholic drinks on an empty stomach or through a cocktail straw.
4. Swallowing air after laughter, loud screaming, singing, long conversation.
7. Air pollution smoke, smog, dust.
8. Nervous hiccups: fear, nervous tension, emotional distress.
All these factors temporarily irritate the nerve endings of the branches of the vagus nerve and lead to the launch of an episodic attack of hiccups. Once the effect on these receptors is eliminated, the hiccups go away, usually within 1-20 minutes. Hiccups may go away after belching air, movements that help move food out of the stomach more quickly, or after recovering from stress.
Hiccups as a symptom of the disease
But hiccups can be a manifestation of various diseases. Then it will be long-lasting, repeat regularly, and it will be more difficult to get rid of such hiccups.Diseases that contribute to the occurrence of hiccups:
| Diseases | Main symptoms of diseases | The nature and characteristics of hiccups in this disease |
Diseases digestive system:
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| Hiccups in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract occur frequently, attacks are usually short-lived, and sometimes persistent hiccups can be observed that do not go away for a day or more. You can cope with such hiccups by strict adherence appropriate diet and doctor's recommendations. |
Respiratory diseases:
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| Hiccups are not a typical symptom for these diseases, but these pathologies can lead to irritation of the nerve receptors in the branches of the vagus nerve, which can cause hiccups. If such hiccups occur, they are regular and go away with recovery. Drinking plenty of warm drinks, breathing exercises, and ventilating the room will help. |
Neurological pathologies:
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| Hiccups are also not obligatory symptom neurological pathologies, but if it occurs, then a long and persistent hiccup is usually observed, which can last for days and years. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to cope with such hiccups; it is important to take the recommended therapy to treat the underlying disease. The condition is alleviated by sedatives, antipsychotics and muscle relaxants. |
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels:
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| Hiccups are uncommon in heart disease, but they can be the very first symptom of an aortic aneurysm, coronary insufficiency and myocardial infarction. |
Intoxication syndrome:
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| Hiccups often occur due to the action of various toxins, which is associated with toxic effect on the nervous system. Hiccups are persistent and go away after detoxification therapy. |
Hiccups after surgery:
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| Damage to the main trunk of the vagus can lead to shock, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest and death, since this nerve is responsible for the functioning of all internal organs. Hiccups may occur immediately after surgery if during surgical intervention branches of the vagus nerve are damaged. Such hiccups are persistent and constant, and it is not always possible to cope with them. Antipsychotics and other potent psychotic drugs alleviate the condition. |
Tumors:
| Symptoms can be very diverse, from no symptoms to pain and intoxication. The presence of a tumor is confirmed by X-ray, tomographic methods and biopsy. | Tumors can mechanically compress the branches or trunk, and in the brain the nucleus of the vagus nerve, which can manifest as persistent hiccups around the clock. Also, hiccups may appear after surgical treatment or tumor chemotherapy. Only potent psychopathic drugs can relieve attacks of hiccups. |
There seem to be many reasons for hiccups, but they cannot always be identified. Hiccups and the mechanisms of its occurrence are still a mystery to medicine. There are many cases of prolonged and persistent hiccups, for which there seems to be no reason. As a result, doctors cannot always help hiccuping patients.
Hiccups: reasons. Hiccups as a symptom of a serious illness - video
Are hiccups dangerous?
Periodic short-term hiccups happen to everyone and do not pose any danger to human life and health.But, as we found out, hiccups are not only a temporary reflex phenomenon, but can also be a manifestation of serious diseases of the heart, brain and some types of tumors. The hiccups themselves are not life-threatening and do not aggravate the course of these diseases, but they should alert you and prompt you to go to the doctor for examination and the necessary treatment.
People don’t die from hiccups; they can die from diseases that cause long-term hiccups.
By the way, not a single case of death of a child or adult from hiccups has been described in the world.
Another thing is psychological discomfort. Of course, the constant hiccups interfere Everyday life man, this will torture anyone. A person feels uncomfortable in front of others, at night “hiccups” can interfere with sleeping and eating, and in general - persistent hiccups are difficult to control and drive some to despair. What can we say about hiccups that last for months and years.
How to quickly get rid of hiccups?
Hiccups are not a disease and therefore cannot be cured. Its occurrence does not depend on us, as in most cases the cessation of an attack does not depend on us. But hiccups are very annoying, it’s simply impossible to breathe, speak and concentrate on anything. There are a huge number of ways to stop hiccups. Some of them are very simple, others are quite extreme. All of them can be used at home, and are essentially traditional medicine. Each person has their own effective method of dealing with hiccups. Everything, as always, is very individual.
What is needed to stop hiccups?
1. Freeing the vagus nerve from irritation.
2. Relaxation of the diaphragm.
3. Calming, switching and distracting the nervous system from the reflex.
4. Stimulation of the breathing center of the brain.
Interesting! It is easier to stop hiccups as long as you hiccup no more than 10 times. If this does not happen, then you will have to suffer with hiccups and try several methods to combat it.
Proven effective methods and ways to get rid of hiccups
Breathing and breathing exercises for hiccups:1.
After several deep breaths, hold your breath as you inhale. The effect will be enhanced if you mentally count to 10, 20 or 30, jump, do a few bends or any physical exercise. You can drink water while holding your breath. Also, while holding your inhalation, you can simply tense your abdominal muscles. This method is called Valsava's maneuver. The main thing is that the exhalation should be slow and calm.
2.
Rapid breathing within a minute.
3.
inflate balloon or release a lot soap bubbles. This will not only relax the diaphragm, but also bring positive emotions, which are able to block the hiccup reflex.
4.
Breathe through a paper bag, but don't overdo it.
2. Try not to pass on and eat right, do not eat before bed, walk more fresh air. Frequent meals in small portions and “light foods” are the key to proper digestion, wellness and normal weight.
3. Don’t be nervous about little things – this not only leads to hiccups, but also to poor blood circulation in the fetus. Only positive emotions are useful for the baby and mother.
4. Drink water different ways in small sips after holding your breath for a short time.
5. For heartburn, bicarbonate mineral water (Borjomi, Essentuki) will help. The main thing is to release gases and drink small amounts in small sips.
6. You can eat a piece of lemon or orange.
7. Breathing exercises is also effective, but you can’t overdo it – severe overvoltage abdominal muscles is not recommended for expectant mothers.
8.
Physical exercise Undesirable for pregnant women, especially before 12 weeks. The knee-elbow position will help reduce pressure on the diaphragm and vagus nerve. Stay in it for a few minutes, this will not only help you cope with hiccups, but will also relieve other organs, in particular the kidneys and vena cava, and reduce swelling, pelvic and lumbar pain. If hiccups torment you during your sleep, then lie on your side or in a reclining position.
9. Suck on a piece of sugar or a spoonful of honey.
11. Do not try to scare a pregnant woman: she will not stop hiccupping, but the nervous system will suffer, the tone of the uterus will increase, and even the baby may turn into an incorrect presentation, for example, into a breech position.
But hiccups can also indicate that the baby is uncomfortable. If hiccups last more than 20 minutes and are accompanied by severe motor activity fetus, this is a reason for concern and an urgent trip to the doctor. Prolonged hiccups may be caused by a lack of oxygen or fetal hypoxia. Hypoxia always has a negative effect on the baby; it can lead to intrauterine growth retardation, congenital pathologies of the central nervous system, and premature birth.
Hiccups in newborns
Hiccups in infants are very common occurrence, and quite normal. Babies normally hiccup much more often than adults. Why do newborn babies hiccup often?
Frequent hiccups in newborns are associated with physiological characteristics of this age:- Immaturity of the nervous system– as a result, the nerve endings of the vagus nerve and the regulatory centers of the brain are very sensitive to various irritating factors, which leads to contraction of the diaphragm and hiccups.
- Immaturity of the digestive system– few enzymes, intestinal spasms, small stomach size quickly and often lead to overeating and bloating.
Causes of hiccups in infants
1. Hiccups after feeding- This is the most common type of hiccup. It is especially pronounced in bottle-fed children. During sucking, especially through a pacifier, the baby swallows air, which leads to bloating. Excess air irritates the vagus nerve receptors and provokes an attack of hiccups. Also, hiccups begin if the child has eaten too much; excess food, like excess air, irritates the vagus nerve. Formula-fed children overeat more often. Breast milk can also cause hiccups if the nursing mother does not adhere to the diet. 2. Hypothermia. Children are more sensitive to low temperatures, which is associated with imperfect thermoregulation. For this reason, children become hypothermic and overheated very quickly. When hypothermia occurs, in order to produce heat, the body tones all muscles, including the diaphragm. Any freezing can result in hiccups.
3. "Nervous hiccups." The baby may also be nervous, he may also not like something, but he still does not know how to restrain his emotions. Therefore, any “dissatisfaction” can lead to crying and hiccups. In addition to excitation of the nervous system, when crying, the child additionally swallows air, which contributes to hiccups.
4. Unpleasant odors, polluted and smoky air irritates the branches of the vagus nerve in the pharynx.
5. ARVI also causes hiccups in babies.
Various diseases of the respiratory, nervous, digestive, of cardio-vascular system can lead to pathological hiccups, the attack of which lasts more than 20 minutes and is constantly repeated.
Pathological hiccups are often found in children with hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, congenital pathologies of the stomach and intestines, as well as heart defects.
How to get rid of hiccups in a baby?
1. It is important to continue breastfeeding, and if necessary artificial feeding You should use only highly adapted mixtures that are ideal for your baby. Those who are breastfeeding will have to stick to a diet, not to eat foods that increase gas formation, fatty, fried, smoked, spicy and too sweet.2. Don't overfeed your baby. If with breastfeeding the child in most cases eats no more than he needs, then with artificial feeding It's very easy to overeat. Even on the packaging with the mixture, larger volumes of single feeding are often indicated than recommended by pediatricians.
3. Before feeding, place your baby on his stomach for 5-10 minutes. This will improve intestinal motility and free it from excess gases, preparing it for a new meal.
4. After feeding, hold the baby in an upright “soldier” position in order to allow excess air swallowed during eating to escape and not cause bloating.
5.
Feed your child one serving, do not feed him 10-20 minutes after the main meal, because... this will increase gas production and can lead to hiccups and regurgitation. 6. Do not feed your baby more often than every 2.5-3 hours. Free feeding is good, but the baby needs time to digest the previous portion. Eating too often leads to overeating increased gas formation and digestive disorders.
7. "Don't stress" your child. Take him in your arms more often, rock him and sing lullabies. Nothing soothes you like a mother's hands and voice.
8. Massage for infants will help to cope with hiccups and active movements. You can simply pat the child lightly on the diaper or stroke the back.
9. In most cases, hiccups go away if the child is distracted and shown new toy, tell or sing something, tickle the heel, pat the head, or play some fun game with the baby.
10. Avoid hypothermia and overheating.
11. Do not try to scare your child when he has hiccups!
Is it possible to feed a baby during hiccups?
If a child hiccups, and this is not due to overeating, then you can feed him or give him some water or tea to drink. Warm drinking and sucking will help relieve hiccups. But if hiccups occur after overeating, then any additional volume in the stomach can intensify the attack.Hiccups in a newborn - video
Hiccups in a newborn baby after feeding, what to do: personal experience of a young mother - video
Why do drunk people hiccup? How to get rid of hiccups after drinking alcohol?
Hiccups in the background alcohol intoxication– quite a common occurrence. It is intense in nature and can persist for quite a long time, unnerving not only the drunk himself, but also the people around him. Alcohol can not only lead to hiccups, but simultaneously affects the entire body and triggers all the processes leading to convulsive contractions of the diaphragm.
Causes of drunken hiccups
- Toxic effect of alcohol on the central nervous system. Alcohol completely disorients the centers of the brain and increases the excitability of nerve receptors. And this is it good conditions for development reflex arc hiccups. The risk of developing drunken hiccups directly depends on the degree and number of drinks.
- The irritant effect of alcohol on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. This leads to irritation of the vagus nerve receptors and to hiccups. The effect is enhanced when drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, in the presence of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as with an abundance of snacks.
- Chronic alcoholics often develop chronic alcoholic hepatitis, manifested by an enlarged liver, which compresses the branches of the vagus nerve. With the development of liver cirrhosis, the phenomena increase venous stagnation in the hepatic vessels. Dilated blood vessels can also lead to irritation of nerve receptors and hiccups.
- Even the “fumes” or alcohol vapors that are released from the stomach and lungs of a drunk person irritate the nerve endings of the esophagus and larynx, which can also trigger hiccups.
So, a seemingly harmless reflex like hiccups can become a sign serious problems in the human body, threatening not only health, but also human life.
How to help a drunk hiccupper?
What to do to avoid hiccups after drinking alcohol?
How to cause hiccups?
In the article itself, we described a lot about the causes of hiccups and methods of dealing with it. But there are people who, on the contrary, want to cause hiccups. For example, you are tired of your interlocutor, or today is the day and hour when you need to hiccup for good luck to come.If you suddenly decide to poop, then you will have to:
- Something to eat very quickly, chewing poorly and swallowing quickly, you can also talk while eating. Carefully! Eating this extreme can cause you to choke!
- Drink a lot of sparkling water, you can drink it through a cocktail straw.
- Try to swallow air. To do this, you need to take air into your mouth, imagine that it is water, and swallow.
- Can remember something unpleasant causing anxiety and negative emotions. But this can not only provoke hiccups, but also ruin your mood for the whole day.
- You can just laugh heartily, this is more pleasant than negative emotions, and the air swallowed and the contraction of the diaphragm can cause hiccups.
- Hypothermia may lead to hiccups, but this method cannot be called safe, because hypothermia can provoke a sore throat, sinusitis, radiculitis, pyelonephritis and other unpleasant “itises”.
