How Does a Hiccup Attack Start?
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How Hiccups Work
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Hiccups (or as less commonly known, "hiccoughs" or "singultus") are sudden spasms of the diaphragm muscle. Something---and scientists have been debating what, exactly, since the time of the ancient Greeks---irritates the phrenic nerve, stimulating the diaphragm and sending a signal to the glottis (located in your windpipe, between your vocal chords). This signal causes the glottis to close and causes the classic hiccup sound. In a hiccup "attack," the diaphragm continues contracting repeatedly, sending the signal at regular intervals, and causing a series of hiccups.
The Cause of Hiccups
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Scientists as a whole disagree on what exactly causes irritation of the phrenic nerve, but most agree that several common conditions can cause the hiccups. Overeating and having the stomach pouch distend and push against the phrenic nerves may be a common cause. A sudden swallowing of air, a rapid temperature change or even extreme emotions can start a person off on a hiccup attack.
Why we hiccup is another matter of great debate as well. One study done at Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris has suggested that hiccup attacks may be a "throwback" to our evolutionary ancestors that used gills to breathe. -
Hiccup Attacks
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In most cases, hiccups are harmless and attacks go away within a few minutes. Extended attacks are uncommon and often suggest an underlying medical condition, such as a problem with the central nervous system, mental health issues or metabolic problems. If a hiccup attack continues, it is termed "persistent hiccups" and can cause heart problems and serious complications. Although the "Guinness Book of Records" reports that Charles Osborne hiccuped for 68 years (until his death in 1990), it's advised that anyone suffering a hiccup attack for more than 24 hours seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
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