Hiccup
(Redirected from Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter)
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen and plays a crucial role in breathing. Each contraction is followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic "hic" sound.
Etiology and Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
- Hiccups can occur for a variety of reasons, often starting without any specific trigger. Short episodes of hiccups are commonly linked to specific lifestyle factors such as overeating, drinking carbonated beverages, consuming alcohol, sudden changes in stomach temperature, or emotional stress and excitement.
- More persistent hiccups may indicate an underlying health condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, stroke, or a central nervous system disorder. Other systemic conditions, including uremia, hypokalemia, and electrolyte imbalances, can also cause chronic hiccups.
- The pathophysiology of hiccups is attributed to an asynchronous contraction of the diaphragm on inspiration and the laryngeal closure on expiration. The precise mechanisms remain a subject of research, but they are likely associated with an interruption of the neuronal control of the diaphragm.
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
- The main symptom of hiccups is a sudden, often repetitive, contraction of the diaphragm resulting in a distinctive 'hic' sound. This can occur with varying frequency and duration.
- When hiccups persist, they can cause fatigue, sleep disruption, and even psychological distress. If accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, or shortness of breath, it could indicate a more serious medical condition.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Hiccups are usually self-diagnosable based on the distinctive symptoms. However, if hiccups persist, a thorough clinical examination may be necessary to identify any underlying causes. This can include blood tests, imaging studies, or endoscopic procedures, depending on the patient's other symptoms and medical history.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
- Hiccups often stop on their own without any treatment. Home remedies and behavioral techniques, such as holding the breath, drinking a glass of water, or pulling the knees to the chest, can sometimes help stop the contractions.
- For persistent or chronic hiccups that last more than 48 hours, medical treatments might be required. This can involve medications, such as chlorpromazine, metoclopramide, or baclofen. In very severe cases, surgical interventions or nerve blocks may be considered.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
Most hiccups resolve spontaneously within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Persistent or chronic hiccups, although rare, can lead to complications such as fatigue, malnutrition, dehydration, and insomnia due to the constant interruption of normal activities. The prognosis in these cases largely depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of its treatment.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Hiccup Resources | |
---|---|
|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD