A hiccup is an unintentional movement (spasm) of the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs. The spasm is followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords, which produces a distinctive sound.
Alternative Names:
Singultus
Considerations:
Hiccups often start for no apparent reason and usually disappear after a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups can persist for days, weeks, or months. Hiccups are common and normal in newborns and infants.
Common Causes:
Noxious fumes
Hot and spicy foods or liquids
Any disease or disorder that irritates the nerves that control the diaphragm (such as pleurisy or pneumonia)
Stroke or tumor affecting the "hiccup center" in the brain
Abdominal surgery
There may be no obvious cause for hiccups.
Review Date: 1/24/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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