Hiccups

Alternative names:

singultus

Definition:

A sound produced by unintentional movement of the muscle at the base of the lungs (diaphragm) followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords.

Considerations:

It is usually easier to determine what causes hiccupping than to get it to stop.

Very often, hiccups start for no apparent reason and they usually disappear after a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups can persist for days, weeks, or months.

Common causes:

• no obvious cause
• noxious fumes
• hot and spicy foods or liquids
• any disease or disorder that irritates the nerves that control the diaphragm (such as pleurisy or pneumonia)
• stroke or tumor affecting the "hiccup" center in the brain
• abdominal surgery

Note: There may be other causes of hiccups. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for hiccups, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.