Causes of hiccups in adults. Hiccups in adults: causes and how to stop A person hiccups in a dream what to do

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"Hiccups, hiccups, go to Fedot,
From Fedot to Yakov, from Yakov to everyone,
And with everyone ... go you hiccups
To my swamp ... ".

Great conspiracy from hiccups. The most interesting, often helps. Until now, some people seriously think that hiccups are an "evil spirit" that has invaded, which should be driven out, or is it a message from a person who suddenly remembered. Others generally went far, conducting divination by hiccups, depending on the days of the week, and even the time of day, evaluating the signs by the hour when the person began to hiccup.

But it has long been known that hiccups are not an abnormal phenomenon, but a very real reflex reaction of the body to various factors. Most often, hiccups are harmless, pass through several dozen "hiccups", do not repeat and do not cause trouble to a person. But also hiccups can be one of symptoms any disease, and even exhaust the patient with constant attacks.

So, hiccups are an uncontrolled physiological reflex phenomenon, leading to a short-term respiratory failure. With hiccups, spontaneous inspiration occurs due to contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, but unlike normal inspiration, air does not enter the lungs due to the epiglottis blocking the airways. So there is a kind of shortness of breath.

Why does hiccups occur?

In order to understand how hiccups occur, it is necessary to understand how breathing occurs and what provides breathing.

How does breathing happen?

So, when you inhale, air enters the upper respiratory tract, through the larynx into the trachea, bronchi and alveoli. During inhalation, the respiratory muscles contract: the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. In this case, the diaphragm, which in a relaxed state has the shape of a dome, flattens, and the chest with the sternum rises, thereby providing a pressure difference and air entering the lungs. Exhalation occurs spontaneously due to the relaxation of the respiratory muscles.


Picture 1. Schematic representation of the change in the diaphragm during inhalation and exhalation.

When swallowing, the airways are blocked by the epiglottis. This is necessary so that food does not enter the trachea and bronchi. When talking, the vocal cords that are in the larynx close - so when the air flow moves through them, sounds are formed.

Breathing regulation. Breathing is regulated by the nervous system. The centers of respiration, which are located in the medulla oblongata of the brain, are responsible for it, and work automatically. Information about the increase in the content of carbon dioxide in the blood comes to the center of respiration, they transmit impulses to the respiratory muscles, they contract - inhalation occurs. The vagus nerve "follows" the stretching of the lungs, which transmits impulses to the respiratory centers - the respiratory muscles relax and exhalation occurs.



Nervus vagus. The vagus nerve (nervus vagus) is involved in causing hiccups. This is a complex nerve that comes from the brain and performs many functions. It is the vagus nerve that is responsible for the work of internal organs, heart activity, vascular tone, protective reflexes, such as cough and vomiting, regulates the digestive process. When it is irritated, a hiccup reflex occurs.

What happens during hiccups and how does the characteristic sound come about?

1. Irritation of the vagus nerve by various factors (overeating, hypothermia, alcohol, etc.).
2. The vagus nerve transmits nerve impulses to the spinal cord and brain.
3. The central nervous system decides on the spontaneous contraction of the respiratory muscles. The respiratory centers temporarily lose control of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
4. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles suddenly begin to convulsively contract, but at the same time the epiglottis blocks the airways, the vocal cords close.


Figure 2. Schematic representation of hiccups.

5. An inhalation occurs, but the air flow cannot enter the lungs due to the epiglottis, the air hits the vocal cords - this is how the characteristic “hic” sound occurs.
6. The reflex arc of hiccups starts.
7. The action of the vagus nerve ends, the level of carbon dioxide in the blood rises, the respiratory centers take control of the respiratory muscles, normal breathing is restored, hiccups stop. If irritation of the vagus nerve continues, bouts of hiccups are repeated.

Irritation of the vagus nerve occurs when:

  • disorder of the nervous system;
  • disruption of the digestive organs;
  • irritation of the pharynx and larynx;
  • inflammation of the lungs and pleura;
  • mechanical compression of the vagus nerve;
  • in case of cardiac arrhythmias.
That is, hiccups can be a sign or symptom of a disease of organs that are controlled by the vagus nerve.

Causes of hiccups

What happens and why does hiccups appear? And the reasons are very diverse, it can be temporary factors or various diseases.

Hiccups in healthy people

Hiccups sometimes occur for a short time, this may be due to such reasons:

1. Hiccups after eating: overeating, fast food intake, mixing food with liquids, drinking carbonated drinks, bloating with malnutrition or eating "bloating" foods.

2. Hiccups while eating: fast absorption of food, talking with a "full mouth", the use of large volumes of water with food.

3. Hiccups after alcohol: severe alcohol intoxication, a large number of snacks, taking alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach or through a cocktail tube.

4. Swallowing air after laughter, a loud cry, singing, a long conversation.

7. Air pollution smoke, smog, dust.

8. Nervous Hiccups: fright, nervous strain, emotional experience.

All these factors temporarily irritate the nerve endings of the branches of the vagus nerve and lead to the launch of an episodic attack of hiccups. After the effect on these receptors is eliminated, hiccups disappear, usually this happens after 1-20 minutes. Hiccups may be relieved by belching air, moving food more quickly out of the stomach, or after recovery from stress.

Hiccups as a symptom of the disease

But hiccups can be a manifestation of various diseases. Then it will be long-term, regularly repeated, and it is more difficult to get rid of such hiccups.

Diseases that contribute to the occurrence of hiccups:

Diseases The main symptoms of diseases The nature and characteristics of hiccups in this disease
Diseases of the digestive system:
  • hepatitis;
  • stomach cancer and other abdominal tumors.
  • Heartburn;
  • belching;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • abdominal pain;
  • heaviness after eating;
  • change in appetite;
  • hiccups.
Hiccups in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract occur frequently, the attacks are usually not long, sometimes there may be persistent hiccups that do not go away for a day or more.

You can cope with such hiccups with strict adherence to the appropriate diet and doctor's recommendations.

Respiratory diseases:
  • pharyngitis;
  • laryngitis;
  • pneumonia.
  • sore throat;
  • hoarseness of voice;
  • cough;
  • dyspnea;
  • noisy breathing;
  • with pleurisy - pain in the chest.
Hiccups are not a typical symptom for these diseases, but these pathologies can lead to irritation of the nerve receptors of the branches of the vagus nerve, which can cause hiccups.

If such hiccups have arisen, then it is regular, disappears with recovery. Plentiful warm drink, breathing exercises, airing the room will help.

Neurological pathologies:
  • condition after a stroke;
  • tumors of the brain or spinal cord;
  • epilepsy and more.
  • focal neurological symptoms;
  • muscle weakness, etc.
Hiccups are also not an obligatory symptom of neurological pathologies, but if it occurs, then long and persistent hiccups are usually observed, which can last for days and years. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to cope with such hiccups, it is important to take the recommended therapy for the treatment of the underlying disease. Relieve the state of sedatives, antipsychotics and muscle relaxants.
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels:
  • heart attack;
  • Pain in the chest, radiating to the left arm;
  • dyspnea;
  • feeling of heartbeat;
  • increased blood pressure, etc.
Hiccups in heart disease are rare, but they can be the very first symptom of aortic aneurysm, coronary insufficiency and myocardial infarction.
Intoxication Syndrome:
  • alcohol addiction;
  • chemical poisoning;
  • chemotherapy for cancer;
  • overdose or side effects of certain drugs;
  • liver or kidney failure.
  • Weakness;
  • increase in body temperature;
  • vomiting, nausea;
  • headache, dizziness;
  • dyspnea;
  • impaired consciousness, etc.
Hiccups often occur against the background of the action of various toxins, which is associated with a toxic effect on the nervous system. Hiccups are persistent, disappear after detoxification therapy.
Hiccups after surgery:
  • in the mediastinum and on the organs of the chest cavity;
  • on the abdominal organs;
  • ENT operations.
  • Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat);
  • lowering blood pressure up to shock;
  • dizziness;
  • disturbance of consciousness;
  • convulsions;
  • cyanosis of the extremities;
  • dyspnea;
  • indigestion and other manifestations of autonomic disorders.
Damage to the main trunk of the vagus can lead to shock, cardiac arrest, breathing and death, since this nerve is responsible for the work of all internal organs. Hiccups may occur immediately after surgery if the branches of the vagus nerve are damaged during surgery. Such hiccups are stubborn and constant, it is not always possible to cope with it. Ease the state of neuroleptics and other potent psychotic drugs.
Tumors:
  • brain;
  • larynx;
  • lungs and mediastinum;
  • stomach and other abdominal organs.
Symptoms can be very diverse, from no symptoms to pain and intoxication. The presence of a tumor is confirmed by x-ray, tomographic methods and biopsy.Tumors can mechanically compress the branches or trunk, and in the brain, the nucleus of the vagus nerve, which can manifest itself as persistent round-the-clock hiccups. Also, hiccups may appear after surgical treatment or chemotherapy of the tumor.

Only powerful psychopathic drugs can alleviate hiccups.


It would seem that there are many reasons for hiccups, but they can not always be identified. Hiccups and the mechanisms of its occurrence are still a mystery to medicine. There are a lot of cases of prolonged and persistent hiccups, for which it would seem that there are no grounds. As a result, doctors cannot always help hiccuping patients.

Hiccups: causes. Hiccups as a symptom of a serious illness - video

Is hiccups dangerous?

Periodic short-term hiccups happen to everyone and does not pose any danger to human life and health.

But, as we found out, hiccups are not only a temporary reflex phenomenon, but can also be a manifestation of severe diseases of the heart, brain, and some types of tumors. At the same time, hiccups themselves do not threaten life and do not aggravate the course of these diseases, but should alert and push to go to the doctors for examination and necessary treatment.

You don’t die from hiccups, you can die from diseases that provoke prolonged hiccups.

By the way, not a single case of death of a child or an adult from hiccups has been described in the world.

Another thing is psychological discomfort. Of course, constant hiccups interfere with a person's daily life, it torments anyone. A person feels uncomfortable in front of others, at night "hic" can interfere with sleep and eat, and indeed - persistent hiccups are difficult to control and drive some to despair. What can we say about hiccups that last for months and years.

How to quickly get rid of hiccups?

Hiccups are not a disease, therefore, it cannot be cured. Its occurrence does not depend on us, as in most cases, and the cessation of an attack. But hiccups are very annoying, it is hard to breathe, speak and concentrate on something is simply impossible. There are many ways to stop hiccups. Some of them are very simple, others are quite extreme. All of them can be used at home, and are inherently traditional medicine.

Each person has their own effective method of dealing with hiccups. Everything, as always, is very individual.

What is needed to stop hiccups?

1. Release of the vagus nerve from irritation.

2. Relaxation of the diaphragm.

3. Calming, switching and distraction of the nervous system from the reflex.

4. Stimulation of the respiratory center of the brain.

Interesting! Hiccups are easier to stop as long as you hiccup no more than 10 times. If this did not happen, then you will have to suffer with hiccups and try several methods of dealing with it.

Proven effective methods and ways to get rid of hiccups

Breathing and breathing exercises for hiccups:

1. After a few deep breaths, hold your breath while inhaling. The effect will be enhanced if you mentally count to 10, 20 or 30, jump, do a few bends or any physical exercise. You can drink water while holding your breath. Also, with a breath hold, you can simply tighten the abdominal muscles. This method is called Valsava maneuver. The main thing is that the exhalation should be slow and calm.
2. Rapid breathing for a minute.
3. Blow up a balloon or release a lot of soap bubbles. This will not only relax the diaphragm, but also bring positive emotions that can block the hiccup reflex.
4. Breathe through a paper bag, but don't overdo it.

2. Try not to pass on and eat right, do not eat before bedtime, walk more in the fresh air. Frequent small meals and "light meals" are essential for proper digestion, good health, and healthy weight.

3. Do not be nervous about trifles - this not only leads to hiccups, but also to impaired fetal circulation. Only positive emotions are useful for the baby and mother.

4. Drink water in different ways in small sips after holding your breath for a short time.

5. With heartburn, bicarbonate mineral water (Borjomi, Essentuki) will help. The main thing is to release gases and drink in small quantities in small sips.

6. You can eat a slice of lemon or orange.

7. Breathing exercises are also effective, but you can’t overdo it - a strong overstrain of the abdominal muscles is not recommended for expectant mothers.

8. Physical exercise for pregnant women is undesirable, especially in the period up to 12 weeks. The knee-elbow position will help reduce pressure on the diaphragm and the vagus nerve. Stay in it for a few minutes, this will not only help to cope with hiccups, but also unload other organs, in particular the kidneys and vena cava, reduce swelling, pelvic and lumbar pain. If hiccups torment you in a dream, then lie on your side or in a reclining position.

9. Suck on a piece of sugar or a spoonful of honey.

11. Do not try to scare a pregnant woman: she will not stop hiccuping, and the nervous system will suffer, the tone of the uterus will increase, and even the baby can turn into an incorrect presentation, for example, into a pelvic one.

But hiccups can also indicate that the baby is uncomfortable. If hiccups last more than 20 minutes and are accompanied by pronounced motor activity of the fetus, this is a cause for concern and an urgent trip to the doctor. Prolonged hiccups can be the cause of a lack of oxygen or fetal hypoxia. Hypoxia always negatively affects the baby, can lead to intrauterine growth retardation, to congenital pathologies of the central nervous system, and premature birth.

Hiccups in newborns

Hiccups in babies are very common and quite normal. Babies normally hiccup much more often than adults.

Why do newborn babies often hiccup?

Frequent hiccups in newborns are associated with the physiological characteristics of this age:
  • Immaturity of the nervous system- as a result, the nerve endings of the vagus nerve and the regulatory centers of the brain are very sensitive to various irritating factors, which leads to a contraction of the diaphragm and hiccups.
  • Immaturity of the digestive system- low enzymes, intestinal cramps, small stomach quickly and often lead to overeating and bloating.
Therefore, even seemingly minor irritants can lead to hiccups. In premature babies, there is even greater immaturity of the internal organs and nervous system, so they hiccup even more often.

Causes of hiccups in babies

1. Hiccups after feeding- This is the most common variant of hiccups. It is especially pronounced in formula-fed children. During sucking, especially through the nipple, the baby swallows air, which leads to bloating. Excess air irritates the vagus nerve receptors and provokes an attack of hiccups. Also, hiccups begin if the child overeats, excess food, like excess air, irritates the vagus nerve. Formula-fed babies overeat more often. Breast milk can also trigger hiccups if the nursing mother is not on a diet.

2. Hypothermia. Children are more sensitive to low temperatures, which is associated with imperfect thermoregulation. For this reason, children very quickly become overcooled and overheated. During hypothermia, in order to generate heat, the body tones all the muscles, including the diaphragm. Any freezing can end in hiccups.

3. "Nervous hiccups." The baby may also be nervous, he may also not like something, but he still does not know how to restrain his emotions. Therefore, any "discontent" can lead to crying and hiccups. In addition to excitation of the nervous system, while crying, the child additionally swallows air, which contributes to hiccups.

4. Unpleasant odors, polluted and smoky air irritates the branches of the vagus nerve in the throat.

5. SARS also causes hiccups in babies.

Various diseases of the respiratory, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular systems can lead to pathological hiccups, the attack of which lasts more than 20 minutes and is constantly repeated.

Pathological hiccups are often found in children with hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, congenital pathologies of the stomach and intestines, as well as heart defects.

How to rid a baby of hiccups?

1. It is important to keep breastfeeding, and if artificial feeding is necessary, only highly adapted formulas that are ideal for your baby should be used. Nursing women will have to stick to a diet, do not eat foods that increase gas formation, fatty, fried, smoked, spicy and too sweet.
2. Don't overfeed your baby. If with breastfeeding the child in most cases eats no more than he needs, then with artificial feeding it is very easy to overeat. Even the packaging with the mixture often indicates larger amounts of single feeding than recommended by pediatricians.
3. Before feeding, lay the baby on his stomach for 5-10 minutes. This will improve intestinal motility and free it from excess gases, prepare it for a new meal.
4. After feeding, hold the baby in an upright "soldier" position in order to allow excess air swallowed during meals to escape and not cause bloating.
5. Feed your baby one serving, do not supplement him 10-20 minutes after the main meal, because. this will increase gas production and may lead to hiccups and regurgitation.
6. Don't feed your baby more often than every 2.5-3 hours. Free feeding is good, but the baby needs time to digest the previous portion. Eating too often leads to overeating, increased gas formation and indigestion.
7. "Don't annoy" your child. Take him in your arms more often, rock and sing lullabies. Nothing soothes like a mother's hands and voice.
8. Massage for babies and active movements will help to cope with hiccups. You can just lightly pat the baby on the "diaper" or pat on the back.
9. In most cases, hiccups go away if the child is distracted, shown a new toy, told or sung something, tickled on the heel, patted on the head, or played some kind of fun game with the baby.
10. Avoid hypothermia and overheating.
11. Do not try to scare the child with hiccups!

Can I feed my baby during hiccups?

If the child hiccups, and this is not due to overeating, then you can feed him or give him some water or tea to drink. Drinking and sucking warmly will help manage hiccups. But if hiccups occur after overeating, then any additional volume in the stomach can increase its attack.

Hiccups in a newborn - video

Hiccups in a newborn baby after feeding, what to do: personal experience of a young mother - video

Why do drunk people hiccup? How to get rid of hiccups after alcohol?

Hiccups on the background of alcohol intoxication is a fairly common occurrence. It is intense in nature, can persist for a long time, unnerving not only the most drunk, but also the people around him.

Alcohol can not only lead to hiccups, but affects the entire body at the same time and starts all the processes for the occurrence of convulsive contraction of the diaphragm.

Causes of drunken hiccups

  • The toxic effect of alcohol on the central nervous system. Alcohol completely disorients the centers of the brain and increases the excitability of nerve receptors. And these are good conditions for the development of a hiccup reflex arc. The risk of developing drunken hiccups directly depends on the degree and number of glasses.
  • Irritant effect of alcohol on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. This leads to irritation of the vagus nerve receptors and hiccups. The effect is enhanced when alcohol is taken on an empty stomach, in the presence of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as with an abundance of snacks.
  • Chronic alcoholic hepatitis often develops in chronic alcoholic hepatitis, which is manifested by an enlarged liver that compresses the branches of the vagus nerve. With the development of cirrhosis of the liver, the phenomena of venous congestion in the hepatic vessels increase. Dilated vessels can also lead to irritation of nerve receptors and hiccups.
  • Even "fumes" or alcohol vapors that are released from the stomach and lungs of a drunk person irritate the nerve endings of the esophagus and larynx, which can also trigger hiccups.
It is important to remember that hiccups can be associated not only with the direct effects of alcohol, but also with other serious problems that it can provoke. For example, a heart attack, stroke, acute liver and kidney failure can start with hiccups. Also, hiccups can appear when poisoning with methanol and other surrogates. In this case, it is long-term, not amenable to relief by the usual methods, may be accompanied by impaired consciousness and the presence of other symptoms. In such cases, it is necessary to urgently deliver the patient to a medical facility and provide first aid.

So, a seemingly harmless reflex like hiccups can be a sign of serious problems in the human body that threaten not only health, but also human life.

How to help a drunk hiccup?

What to do to not hiccup after alcohol?


How to induce hiccups?

In the article itself, we described a lot about the causes of hiccups and methods of dealing with it. But there are people who, on the contrary, want to cause hiccups. For example, the interlocutor is tired, or today is the day and hour when you need to hiccup for good luck to come.

If you suddenly decide to hiccup, then you will have to:

  • Something to eat very quickly, chewing badly and swallowing quickly, you can also talk while eating. Carefully! With such an extreme meal, you can choke!
  • Drink plenty of sparkling water, it can also be drunk through a cocktail tube.
  • Try to swallow air. To do this, you need to take air into your mouth, imagine that it is water, and swallow.
  • Can remember something bad, causing experience and negative emotions. But this can not only provoke hiccups, but also ruin your mood for the whole day.
  • You can just laugh heartily, this is more pleasant than negative emotions, and the swallowed air and contraction of the diaphragm can cause hiccups.
  • hypothermia can lead to hiccups, but this method cannot be called safe, because hypothermia can provoke tonsillitis, sinusitis, sciatica, pyelonephritis and other unpleasant "-itis".
But keep in mind that none of these methods can cause hiccups 100% of the time. Hiccups are an uncontrolled reflex process, it absolutely does not depend on the desire of the person himself.

It is generally accepted that a newborn child grows rapidly while in a state of sleep, which is explained by the maximum production of the corresponding hormone. Also in a dream, the activity of his nervous system and physiological development is regulated, and the energy spent during wakefulness is restored. However, it is often during this period, when such important transformations take place in the baby’s body, that hiccups disturb his sleep.

Hiccups in a dream: causes

Hiccups in a dream, the causes of which are quite diverse, are an indicator that the child is currently experiencing discomfort.

One of the most common reasons, perhaps, can be called the fact that the baby is cold. This may well be if he sleeps lightly dressed. An indicator of freezing of the baby can be cold extremities. In this case, you can help the situation and stop the hiccups by warming the baby, for which it is necessary to wrap it in a warm blanket and hold it near your chest. As soon as a comfortable state returns, the hiccups will immediately stop. As a rule, the child does not even wake up from these manipulations.

When hiccups, disturbing the baby, nevertheless interrupted his sleep, he will also first of all need the organization of additional heating. Then, to calm the crying and try to return sleep, you need to drink warm water or breastfeed a little. In most cases, if the baby is no longer disturbed, he falls asleep again.

In addition to freezing, hiccups in a dream can be an indicator of thirst. Then the child needs to be given a drink or, in extreme cases, if a bottle of water is not currently available, you can offer him a breast to quench his thirst and calm down.

Another reason for hiccups in a dream can be the impact of an external stimulus in the form of a loud sound. This is due to the special sensitivity of the still fragile nervous system of the baby, which will gradually become stronger with the growth of the child, and then hiccups in a dream will become more rare.

Hiccups in a dream

Hiccups in a dream, as a rule, can be imagined by any of us, causing a feeling of curiosity about what it could be. Since ancient times, dreams have been trying to somehow unravel and bind to reality in the form of foresight, any future events. So the meaning of a dream, where a person dreamed of this obsessive sensation that causes nothing but discomfort, has its place in the interpreters of dreams, called dream books. So what should the dreamer expect from a hiccuping person he saw during a dream or tormented by this uncomfortable state of himself?

  • Making attempts to cope with hiccups promises a change in status in society not for the better.
  • Hearing another person hiccuping can serve as a symbol of unsubstantiated doubts and fears.
  • Seeing a person who suffers from hiccups portends a collision with great life difficulties and disappointments. For the representatives of the weaker sex, such a dream can promise an early marriage, where the role of the groom will be a wealthy man who is not distinguished by intelligence.
  • To suffer from sonorous hiccups yourself can mean that you yourself are blocking your path to success.
  • Getting annoyed by the hiccups of another person - a dream suggests that the time has come to explain to the authorities, and this step will help strengthen the position in the service.

Seeing yourself hiccuping in a dream and not being able to get rid of an obsessive unpleasant state suggests that you will have the opportunity to learn a lot of incredible things about yourself from the lips of those people who are even unfamiliar with you, that is, you should expect a slander and gossip around your name.

Let's see what are the causes of hiccups, what remedies will help solve this problem, and what treatments should be used for chronic hiccups.

We will learn how many types of hiccups exist, and what physiological mechanisms underlie this annoying disorder.

When hiccups occur - physiological mechanism

Everyone in life has had to deal with hiccups, but only a few know the reasons for this phenomenon? This problem can affect anyone: a newborn, a child, an adult and an elderly person, and it is associated with involuntary contraction of the muscles of the diaphragm, which determines the closure of the valve in the larynx. Usually the disorder does not last long, with a variable number of "hiccups" per minute - from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 60.

As previously mentioned, hiccups are caused by muscle contractions. From a medical point of view, we can distinguish two different components that cause hiccups:

  • Muscular component: from this point of view, hiccups are an involuntary contraction diaphragm muscles separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, and intercostal muscles. The typical sound of hiccups is caused by an interruption in the flow of air in the lungs.
  • Neurological component: associated with activation of the vagus nerve and the phrenic nerve (the nerve that innervates the diaphragm), and the hiccup center, which is located in the cervical spine and receives commands from the hypothalamus and other areas of the brain.

Hiccups are not always the same: different types

While hiccups are very common and common enough to not be a cause for concern, there are several types of hiccups, some of which require medical attention.

We can highlight three types of hiccups:

  • Isolated: This is the most common type of hiccups that everyone experiences at least once during their own lives. It appears suddenly and lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. Has a tendency to spontaneous healing.
  • Acute: a type of hiccup that can last up to 48 hours and is characterized by rapid and repetitive contractions. Does not require medical treatment, disappears spontaneously, but should always be kept under control, as after 48 hours medical attention may be required.
  • Chronic: This is a hiccup that lasts more than 48 hours, characterized by frequent and rapid spasms. This kind of hiccups can persist for several days or even several weeks, alternating with periods without hiccups. Of course, this is a very rare occurrence: it occurs in one in 100,000 people.

The latter type requires the intervention of a doctor, since sleep disorders can be indicated among the consequences, as it occurs even at night, making it difficult to eat and talk.

Causes of hiccups

The causes of this disease are still largely unknown. However, it can be assumed that some situations determine the appearance of isolated or acute hiccups. The cause of chronic hiccups may be a neurological or similar disease.

We have previously described isolated and acute hiccups as a transient process. Often the reasons that give rise to this phenomenon are unknown, but nevertheless, some common causes can be identified:

  • Mistakes in eating: When you eat too fast or too much, it causes the stomach to expand due to swallowing air, and this can lead to stimulation of the phrenic nerve and rapid contractions of the diaphragm.
  • Anxiety and stress: hiccups can be psychosomatic, that is, due to anxiety or prolonged stress. When you are nervous, you tend to swallow large amounts of air, thus stretching the stomach and stimulating the phrenic nerve.
  • Smoking and alcohol: can lead to hiccups because they have a general irritant effect, including on the diaphragm and phrenic nerve. In addition, alcohol causes the stomach to expand.
  • Temperature changes: Sudden changes in temperature or swallowing food that is too hot or too cold can trigger hiccups.
  • Medications: In some patients, such as the elderly, who take a large amount of medication to control age-related diseases, the medication may cause hiccups. Among the main culprits are benzodiazepines used in the treatment of anxiety, corticosteroids such as cortisone used to treat various inflammatory conditions, antibiotics and drugs used for chemotherapy.
  • Surgical interventions: It is not uncommon for hiccups to occur after surgery, which is determined by several factors, such as manipulation of internal organs, accidental stimulation of the phrenic nerve or diaphragm, drugs used for general anesthesia, neck swelling during intubation, and abdominal distention during endoscopy.

All of the above causes involuntary contraction of the diaphragm through stimulation of the phrenic nerve, but the mechanisms by which this occurs remain unknown.

Other common causes of hiccups may be related to a particular condition a person is in, such as pregnancy, or age related, such as hiccups in children.

  • Children and newborns: In children and newborns, the most common cause of hiccups is the speed of eating. For example, a newborn during breastfeeding may swallow too quickly, swallowing air, it is not uncommon that hiccups appear after feeding. Children and infants, as well as adults, can also have bouts of hiccups due to changes in temperature or eating food that is too hot or too cold.
  • Women during pregnancy: During pregnancy, in addition to the well-known "fetal hiccups" that cause joy and suffering for women, the expectant mother can also have hiccups, probably caused by an increase in the volume of the uterus, which stimulates the phrenic nerve.

Causes of chronic hiccups

As for chronic hiccups, the main cause is disorders of the nervous system, that is, irritation of certain nerves.

This may include:

  • Peripheral nerve pathways: innervating the diaphragm, in particular the vagus and phrenic nerves. Damage or irritation from these pathways can lead to chronic hiccups. Such irritations or damage may result from some diseases localized at the level of the larynx, such as acute laryngitis, pharyngitis (general pain in the throat), the presence of foreign objects at the level of the inner ear, as well as inflammations and infections localized in the lungs and pleural cavity.
  • central nerve pathways: that is, nerves localized at the level of the cervical spinal cord. Irritation or injury to these centers can be the cause of chronic hiccups. Injury to these centers is often observed in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, inflammation of the meninges in the brain and bone marrow, tumors at the level of the brain, traumatic brain injury.

Secondary causes of chronic hiccups relate to diseases that determine the appearance of this symptom. Some diseases have hiccups as a side effect of stimulation of the peripheral and central nerves, the mechanisms of connection of other diseases with hiccups are not entirely clear.

Among the pathological diseases that can define hiccups, we have:

  • inflammation: in the mediastinum, for example, at the level of the pericardium, pleura or lungs can stimulate the phrenic nerve.
  • Reflux A: Gastroesophageal reflux is one of the most common causes of hiccups. In this case, hiccups often occur if you lie down (sleep) immediately after eating.
  • Ulcer and gastritis: peptic ulcer of the stomach very often develops in the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori): symptoms and treatment of a bacterial infection of the stomach "\u003e Helicobacter pylori, this is accompanied by characteristic symptoms: burning in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, as well as prolonged hiccups.

Among other disorders that may present with hiccups are metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, electrolyte imbalance, hypocalcemia and hyponatremia, renal failure, and Addison's disease.

"Seven sips of water" and other remedies for hiccups

We now turn to a description of some remedies for hiccups. In the case of transients, in addition to changing your lifestyle through slower and less plentiful eating, you can resort to "grandmother's" remedies.

Of the natural remedies for hiccups, the most commonly used are:

Lemon juice: due to the fact that it is very acidic, due to the presence of citric acid, lemon juice, when ingested (pure and not diluted), causes an immediate cessation of breathing, which can stop the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. A couple of teaspoons of lemon juice can instantly get rid of hiccups.

Vinegar: also contains an acidic component - acetic acid. Taking a teaspoon of diluted vinegar may be helpful as the reflex constriction of the esophagus blocks involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. However, be careful, acidity, which works well against acid, can cause ulceration of the gastric mucosa.

Water: one of the popular remedies for hiccups is drinking water in small sips. Some people argue that you should drink 7 sips of water with your nose pinched. Drinking water activates certain centers in the brain that can block hiccups.

Sugar: One teaspoon of sugar can stop hiccups due to its structure. Sugar granules, acting on the walls of the esophagus, stimulate the diaphragm and stop involuntary contraction.

fright: with a sudden fright, there is a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, this can “knock down” the hiccups.

sneezing: when sneezing, the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm are involved. Accordingly, if you cause sneezing during hiccups, then you can stop the hiccups.

Holding your breath: stopping breathing for more than ten seconds helps to get rid of hiccups because it blocks the movement of the diaphragm.

Medical Therapy for Hiccups

When the hiccups become chronic disease it is possible that the doctor will prescribe drug therapy to try to alleviate the irritation. In the treatment of chronic hiccups, antidopaminergic agents, calcium agonists, GABA, and others are used.

Of the antidopaminergic agents acting at the dopamine receptor level, the most commonly used are:

  • metoclopramide, which is an antiemetic but which finds use in the treatment of chronic hiccups. Can be used during pregnancy.
  • Aminazin: belongs to the antipsychotics, but is very effective in the treatment of hiccups (about 80%). It is not recommended to take this drug for a long period of time as it may cause involuntary movements. Should not be used during pregnancy as it has a potential teratogenic effect.

Of the calcium agonists, the following are mainly used:

  • Nifedipine: therapeutic efficacy is variable and is closely related to the patient's condition. This drug should not be administered during pregnancy because it is not considered safe. The most common side effects are weakness, constipation and heart palpitations.
  • Nimodipine: Can be taken either intravenously or orally. Although this drug has been little studied, it shows good efficacy in the treatment of chronic hiccups.

Of the GABA agonists used:

  • Valproic acid A: has good efficiency. Should not be used during pregnancy as it is teratogenic and has thrombocytopenia and leukopenia among side effects.
  • Baclofen: relaxes the muscles. At the moment, the drug is considered the most effective for the treatment of chronic hiccups. Among the side effects we can have hypotension and feeling sleepy. Should not be used during pregnancy as it may cross the placenta, but effects on the fetus are unknown.
  • Gabapentin: has good efficacy in the treatment of hiccups. The drug should not be administered during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In case drug therapy is not enough to alleviate the hiccups, some invasive treatments, such as:

  • Probing of the stomach through the nose: a tube is inserted through the nasal cavities, which goes directly to the stomach. This therapy is useful in cases of chronic hiccups due to backflow of gastric juice into the esophagus.
  • Phrenic nerve anesthesia: a very invasive therapy, carried out by injecting an anesthetic at the level of the phrenic nerve, which then loses its ability to transmit nerve impulses.
  • Vagus nerve stimulation: a device is implanted in the chest that acts on the vagus nerve and stops hiccups.

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the human diaphragm that appear both day and night. The occurrence of muscle diaphragmatic contractions does not depend on the age category. Seizures occur in adults and infants. What are the causes of hiccups at night, how to cope with the phenomenon - discussed in the article.

An attack of involuntary contraction of the muscles of the diaphragm at night occurs due to irritation of the sympathetic or vagus nerve. Nighttime hiccups can appear in an adult and in a child. The causes of seizures are the same. With a short-term illness, there is no cause for concern. Symptoms disappear as quickly as they appear. With hiccups that occur frequently, lasting for a long time, you should consult a doctor, this often indicates a serious illness.

Night attacks of hiccups occur when the nerve is irritated. It is noticed that malaise at night occurs more often in men than in women. The listed reasons can provoke an attack:

  1. Cold room. If the bedroom where the person sleeps is too cold, an attack may occur. But it is worth warming up, wrapping yourself in a blanket, putting on warm pajamas - the malaise will stop.
  2. Overeating at night. An attack of hiccups is sometimes caused by abundant food at night. Especially often, a provocateur is fatty foods, fried, spicy, consumed immediately before bedtime.
  1. Alcohol intoxication. Going to bed on a drunk head, a person runs the risk of waking up from the frequent contraction of the muscles of the diaphragm.
  2. Stress. Emotional tension, stress at work provoke hiccups in a dream. It is accompanied by shortness of breath or lack of voice during an attack.
  3. The presence of diseases of the brain, nervous system, internal organs, the development of tumors.
  4. Unexpected fright in a dream or immediately after sleep. A terrible nightmare, thoughts in the head during the day and at bedtime can provoke fear, nervous strain and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm.

With a short-term attack, the duration is small, 2-3 minutes. But with frequent occurrence and long-term malaise, it is recommended to consult a doctor for an adequate diagnosis. If the malaise is accompanied by a general deterioration in well-being, pain in various parts of the body, a deep examination, tests, diagnostics using X-ray equipment, MRI and CT devices are required.

Solutions

With the unexpected appearance of hiccups in the middle of the night, self-help is possible in several ways.

  • Hold your breath sharply, then inhale sharply again and hold the exhalation. Repeat repeatedly.
  • A glass of cold water, drunk in one gulp, will help get rid of the disease. On the other hand, some people are helped by slowly swallowing water in small sips.
  • It is important that the liquid is cold, even with pieces of ice. The body will receive a new irritant, switch to warming the water to the desired temperature.
  • A spoonful of sugar, eaten without drinking, will help stop the disease. It is permissible to swallow a piece of pressed sugar or just eat a spoonful of crumbly.
  • Throat rinse. When rinsing, muscle tension occurs, as a result, contractions stop. Sometimes it is worth trying to alternate the temperature of the rinse water. First rinse with cold, then warm, and so on.
  • Stretching the whole body. Hands should be pulled up, legs in a more comfortable position. Stretching the muscles of the body will also help tighten the diaphragmatic muscles, eliminating hiccups. It is especially useful to stretch the whole body in the morning, before getting out of bed.

If these methods do not help to stop the attack, it is repeated more and more often and the duration increases - it is supposed to look for the true cause that provokes hiccups. After a general examination, examination and history taking, the doctor will refer you to the right specialist, neuropathologist or gastroenterologist to identify the diagnosis. In addition, a referral for laboratory tests, ultrasound, MRI is issued. The diagnostics carried out will reveal the true cause of the disease, eliminate its appearance.

Drug treatment is often prescribed. Main drugs:

  • Calming group of drugs: Corvalol or Corvaltab. They are used in case of nervous tension, emotional stress, heart diseases that provoke malaise.
  • Anesthetic drugs - Novocain. The drug is able to block the nerve impulse and eliminate the disease. Often Novocaine is prescribed for hiccups caused by diseases of the digestive system.
  • Means for digestion that eliminate vomiting: Cerucal, Motilium, Loperamide and others. These funds help to eliminate the sensitivity of the vagus nerve, which irritates the digestive tract. Especially often prescribed for digestive difficulties, diseases of the stomach, intestines, etc.
  • Means of psychotic action: Finlepsin, Aminazine. They are prescribed for prolonged attacks, if other means do not help. It is used for ailments associated with nervous overstrain or for violations in the work of the central nervous system. The drugs are potent, they are sold only with a doctor's prescription.

In cases of serious diseases, the presence of tumors requires surgical intervention.

In medical practice, cases of incurable hiccups are described. People live with seizures for years, after which it passes as suddenly as it began. Until the end, this phenomenon has not been studied and the causes of the mentioned symptoms have not been identified.

The onset of a seizure at night in children

Small children are annoyed by nighttime hiccups no less than adults. For the first time, while still in the womb, as a fetus. This is due to the ingestion of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. The mother often feels characteristic tremors in the abdomen for long periods.

Reasons why a newborn appears:

  • The child hiccups in his sleep if he is cold. When changing clothes, after bathing or when changing a diaper, the baby is able to quickly supercool. The malaise disappears as soon as the baby warms up, one has only to dress the child, swaddle it in a blanket or carry it in his arms, warming him with body heat.
  • An attack may occur due to hunger or thirst if the child is given water.
  • Often a newborn hiccups when swallowing excess air during feeding. If the baby sucks too eagerly and quickly, some of the excess air enters the stomach, which causes the diaphragm to contract.
  • Tension of the child's nervous system. With the constant operation of the TV, noise, a large number of people in the room, the baby's nervous system reacts with irritation in the form of hiccups, even during sleep.

Solutions:

  1. The malaise caused by hypothermia is eliminated by warming.
  2. With nervous tension, you should refuse to watch TV, ensure peace and quiet in the baby's room.
  1. For reasons caused by thirst or hunger, you need to provide food and quench your thirst.
  2. If hiccups are caused by swallowing air, you need to take the child in your arms, vilify in an upright position, waiting for the air to escape from the stomach.
  3. Before feeding, it is supposed to briefly put the baby on the stomach, which will allow the air already in the stomach to escape.
  4. Regular massage is good for babies

Try to imagine all the details of the dream, maybe together you dreamed of some other objects or people, as well as the events that you saw in a dream, because they can mean something.

Interpretation according to Aesop's dream book

Hiccups in a dream - meaning- Be patient and don't make hasty decisions.

According to Vanga's dream book

Hiccups in a dream - meaning“You must take advantage of the chances your destiny provides.

Interpretations on the lunar dream book

The meaning of sleep Hiccups in a dream- you will take care of the sick, who will wait for recovery for a long time.

Interpretation according to Hasse's dream book

Interpretation of sleep Hiccups in a dream— Humiliation, poverty.

Predictions according to Schiller's dream book

The meaning of sleep Hiccups in a dream- The mission of the six is ​​to educate new generations.

According to Tsvetkov's dream book

Why dream Hiccup in a dream?- Many difficulties and trials await you.

We saw a dream "Hiccups in a dream", but you don't know what it means ?! This online dream book will help in this matter and decipher it according to the dream books of Loff, Hasse, Gypsy, Aesop, Jung, Schiller, Maya, Miller, etc.

What does hiccup mean in a dream

Predictions for the signs of the zodiac

Pay attention to the predictions of the zodiac sign.

  • Aries - The feelings you have for each other will stay with you for years to come.
  • Taurus - Try not to commit rash acts.
  • Gemini is empty talk.
  • Cancer is always good news.
  • Leo - lose, and very, very stupid.
  • Virgo - In reality, you should know the treachery of a person close to you ..
  • Scales
  • Scorpio - get rid of the opponent.
  • Sagittarius - In the following days of this month, try to be prudent in everything.
  • Capricorn is an unfavorable sign for commercial and business interests.
  • Aquarius is definitely a sign of treachery, cunning.
  • Pisces - Think more often, carefully consider your actions.

Interpretation by day of the week

The day when you had such a dream is very important.

Interpretation by gender

For women hiccups in sleep You don't always know how to choose the right path.

For a man- The path to a bright disclosure of one's own individuality.

I had to retreat to the chair. Mom also said that I was surprisingly punctual, I was exactly five minutes late.

In case you do not know the interpretation of your dream, send a message in feedback and we will certainly answer.

By some miracle, the formation as a whole was preserved even when leaving the clouds. He tried to hang, fall, but they didn’t have hands, but cranes, they held him back, and the third one didn’t swing, but hit him very hard in the face, grunted and began to businesslike and skillfully deliver strong blows to the stomach, head, chest, hit on ribs, again hit hard and mercilessly in the face. For some reason she liked the old pizza. But not everything is given to understand even the most beautiful. Amirspasalar would not have dared to commit such a big, such an obvious crime in front of the whole Georgian army.

In order to find another dream, use the search on the site or look in, every single interpretation is free, you can also order an individual interpretation of sleep.

If, suddenly, you did not find out the interpretation of the desired dream, send a comment and we will give a full answer as soon as possible.

Relax your whole body and close. We all give only a day to prepare. Not used to being taken by surprise.

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