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Medical experts explain the causes and remedies for hiccups
Hiccups are caused by sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, which is the muscle and tendon layer separating the chest and abdominal cavities. According to the German Association of Otolaryngologists, these spasms cause the glottis to close, resulting in inhaled air hitting the closed vocal cords and creating the characteristic sound.
Common triggers for these spasms include eating too quickly, consuming carbonated beverages, drinking large amounts of alcohol, stress, stage fright, or certain medications. Rapidly switching between very hot and very cold foods can also trigger the condition.
While hiccups typically resolve on their own within a few minutes, various methods may help alleviate them. Suggested techniques include holding one's breath while counting to 20, being startled, drinking small sips of cold water, or breathing into a paper bag.
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- [● 3 SOURCES] Common triggers for hiccups include eating too fast, carbonated drinks, alcohol, stress, stage fright, or certain medications. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.volksfreund.de · saarbruecker-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Hiccups are caused by sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.volksfreund.de · saarbruecker-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Potential remedies include holding one's breath, being startled, drinking small sips of cold water, or breathing into a paper bag. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.volksfreund.de · saarbruecker-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Switching between very hot and very cold foods can trigger diaphragm spasms. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.volksfreund.de · saarbruecker-zeitung.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The characteristic hiccup sound is produced when inhaled air hits closed vocal cords following a diaphragm spasm. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.volksfreund.de · saarbruecker-zeitung.de