Spasm in the Chasm

"Hiccups are like warts," says Jane Corboy, M.D., a family practitioner at The Methodist Hospital. "They are common and often go away on their own. But sometimes, they don't, and there are many ways to rid yourself of them."

For example, downing a tall glass of water in one long gulp is one way. Dr. Corboy explains why such breath exercises work.

"Your objective in getting rid of your hiccups is to somehow stimulate the nerves in the back of the throat which participate in the abnormal firing of the vagus nerve to the diaphragm," she says. It's this misfire that causes the diaphragm (the muscle that controls expansion of the lungs) to twinge, forcing air from the lungs. The affliction seems to be associated with stress, stomach problems, eating too rapidly, or eating extremely hot foods. Babies often get hiccups when they are cold or wet.

"Some cure methods involve direct stimulation of the uvula (the little flap that hangs in the back of your throat), such as eating sugar, or indirect stimulation of the vagus nerve, such as holding your breath and 'bearing down,'"says Dr. Corboy. "Breathing into a paper bag may be another indirect way of stimulating the vagus nerve."

Hiccups lasting several days can signal a more serious condition, like kidney failure or a liver abscess, so you should see a doctor if you have a prolonged bout.

- From Methodist Health Care System

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/health_briefs/11_15_97-spasm.html