Singultus

Singultus is a medical term for what is commonly known as hiccups. It is a condition characterized by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a key role in breathing. These contractions result in quick, involuntary inhalations that are immediately followed by the closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic 'hic' sound.

Causes

Singultus can be caused by a variety of factors, including eating too quickly, consuming certain foods or beverages, or feeling nervous or excited. In some cases, singultus can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pneumonia, or a stroke.

Treatment

Treatment for singultus often involves addressing the underlying cause, if one can be identified. For instance, if singultus is caused by GERD, treatment may involve medications to reduce stomach acid. If no cause can be identified, treatment may involve techniques to interrupt the hiccup cycle, such as holding one's breath, drinking a glass of water quickly, or pulling hard on the tongue.

See also

• Diaphragm (anatomy)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Pneumonia
• Stroke

References

Singultus Resources
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