A sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords.
Most attacks of hiccups last only a few minutes, and are not medically significant.
Rarely, they may be due to a condition, such as pneumonia or pancreatitis, that causes irritation of the diaphragm or phrenic nerves.
Chlorpromazine, haloperidol, or diazepam may be prescribed for frequent, prolonged attacks.
An involuntary spasmodic contraction of the DIAPHRAGM which produces an indrawing of breath during which there is a sudden closure of the vocal cords. This results in the well-known sound and sensation. It is usually of benign cause (e.g. indigestion) but may be a symptom of medullary brain damage, URAEMIA, typhoid fever (see ENTERIC FEVER) or ENCEPHALITIS lethargica. There are many folk remedies for hiccups, but most cases subside spontaneously. Prolonged hiccups due to disease may respond to treatment with CHLORPROMAZINE or HALOPERIDOL.
n. abrupt involuntary lowering of the diaphragm and closure of the sound-producing folds at the upper end of the trachea, producing a characteristic sound as the breath is drawn in. Hiccups, which usually occur repeatedly, may be caused by indigestion or more serious disorders, such as alcoholism. Medical name: singultus.
Repeated involuntary contraction of the diaphragm.
Causes: eating too fast, carbonated drinks, stomach irritation (hot peppers, vinegars, alcohol). Where persistent, there may be constriction of the lower gullet by early neoplasm caused by drinking piping-hot tea when X-ray and specialist advice should be sought.
Alternatives. Teas. Celery seed. Spearmint. Mustard seed. Fennel seed, Dill seed, Coriander seed, Peppermint. Caraway seed.
Decoction. Blue Cohosh. Black Cohosh. Calamus. Valerian.
Tablets/capsules. Capsicum (Cayenne), Papaya, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Celery seed, Liquorice, Ginger. Old English traditional. 1-2 teaspoons Onion juice every few minutes.
Cinnamon, oil of. 3 drops on sugar. (John Wesley)
Blue Cohosh, or Black Cohosh. 10 drops Tincture in little water, hourly.
Cloves, oil of. 1-2 drops in teaspoon honey.
Wild Yam. Liquid Extract. 15-30 drops in water, every 10 minutes.
Capsicum (Cayenne). Tincture, 3-5 drops in water, hourly.
Cramp Bark. (Muscle relaxant).
Slippery Elm gruel.
Supportives: deep breathing; holding the breath as long as possible. Hot foot bath. Stick a finger in each ear for 20 seconds. ... hiccups
Health Encyclopedia