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All types of hiccups are related to a problem in the nervous system. The most common one, which passes after a few minutes, is caused by irritation of the phrenic nerve. This nerve is important because it triggers the movements of the diaphragm, the muscle that controls our breathing. The hic-hic starts like this: when the stomach swells from excess liquid, food or gas, the nerve is pressed. As a reflex, it tells the diaphragm to contract. The chain effect continues: with the contraction of the diaphragm, the larynx (in the throat) cuts the air that goes from the mouth to the lungs and makes the vocal cords vibrate, generating the characteristic hiccup noise. If it takes time to pass, it is worth helping the diaphragm to recover its normal rhythm – you can do this by coordinating your breathing, drinking water or holding your breath. When the case is more serious, it is necessary to investigate the disease that is causing the hic-hic.
Problem starts when some part of the nervous system is affected
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DAMAGE
The most serious of the three types of hiccups are caused by physical (trauma, stroke, brain tumor) or psychological (trauma, depression, anxiety) damage to the brain. It can become a chronic problem. That’s what happened to the American Charles Osborne, who spent 68 years sobbing – a record!
VAGUS NERVE IRRITATION
Problems like pneumonia, heart attack, hepatitis, esophagitis, pancreatitis and tumors can reach this nerve, which runs from the head to the abdomen and also messes with the diaphragm. This hiccup is more intense and lasting than we are used to and only disappears with the cure of the disease causing it.
PHRENIC NERVE IRRITATION
The most common type of hiccup happens when the stomach swells, squeezing the so-called phrenic nerve. It can be caused by drinking fizzy drinks, alcohol, overeating, or even sudden changes in temperature. It usually goes away quickly and does not need to be treated. Some experts say that holding your breath can help these types of hiccups go away quickly.