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Hiccups are a familiar phenomenon that most of us have experienced. This unpleasant sound is caused by an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, during which a rapid inhalation occurs. Air is drawn into the lungs through the vocal cords, which reflexively close, producing the characteristic hiccup sound. It is usually a harmless and transient condition that resolves on its own, but in some cases hiccups can be a symptom of a more serious problem, as our story showed.
When are hiccups normal and when should they be a cause for concern?
If hiccups last only a few minutes or hours and go away on their own, or after using home remedies, there is no cause for concern. It is a common, though unpleasant, phenomenon that usually does not indicate anything serious. Effective home methods to get rid of hiccups include, for example:
- Holding your breath for 30 seconds
- Drinking 9 small sips of water
- Consuming a few drops of lemon juice (may also help children)
- Swallowing a small teaspoon of granulated sugar dry
- Inducing a sneeze
When is it time to see a doctor?
However, if hiccups last for several hours or days, or recur frequently and worsen, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. In our story the husband suffered from long-term hiccups and only a visit to the doctor revealed that behind this seemingly harmless symptom was a serious disease. Less common but serious causes of hiccups include:
- Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium)
- Liver enlargement or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Irritation of the diaphragm caused by harmful substances in the blood, for example waste products in kidney failure
- Brain tumor or stroke, which can stimulate the respiratory center and cause hiccups
Hiccups and chemotherapy
According to the medical journal American Cancer Society, hiccups occur in 30% of patients treated with chemotherapy. This symptom can be not only bothersome but also very exhausting, especially if it persists for a long time.
Conclusion
If hiccups persist, worsen, or recur, it is essential to seek medical help. Although hiccups are often only a harmless phenomenon, they can also be a warning sign of a more serious disease. Do not underestimate long-term hiccups and consult a specialist.
