We all have experienced hiccups in our life. They are so uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing as it would not stop. Though, it happen for a short period of time, but sometimes it stays for longer period.
It usually occurs when the diaphragm suddenly contracts involuntarily and at the same time the larynx contracts too and the glottis closes which effectively blocks the flow of air.
Eating or drinking too much or too quickly also causes hiccups.
Here are some tips which you can do while experiencing hiccups.
Try to hold your breath. Drink a glass of water quickly. Pull hard on your tongue. Take a bite of lemon. Gargle with water. Drink from the far side of a glass. Use smelling salts.
A hiccup is an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm that may repeat several times per minute. In medicine, it is known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, or singultus, Latin for the act of catching one’s breath while sobbing. The hiccup is an involuntary action involving a reflex arc. Once triggered, the reflex causes a strong contraction of the diaphragm followed about 0.25 second later by closure of the vocal cords, which results in the classic “hic” sound. Hiccups may occur individually, or they may occur in bouts.