Causes and risk factors:
Usually when individual breaths in air the diaphragm moves down so that the lungs are inflated for inhalation and on exhalation the diaphragm moves back to its position. However at times due to irritation the diaphragm is pull down in a jerky way as a result of this the air hits the voice box and the vocal cords close suddenly. This manoeuvre produces a sound which is called as hiccups. Certain factors which cause this irritation of the diaphragm are overeating or fast eating, excess intake of fatty food or aerated drinks and alcohol. Noxious fumes, damage to the vagus or phrenic nerves, certain medications along with some diseases contribute irritation of diaphragm.
Clinical presentations:
As the names suggest hiccup is the only symptoms seen. It lasts for few seconds or minutes.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient. Usually no investigations are required. Certain routine investigations are needed if any underlying cause persists.
Treatment:
Usually no medications are needed in cases of hiccups. If the complaints are prolong and long lasting then certain medications can be advised. Certain tips like holding the knee close to the chest and sitting for a while, ice water gargling, taking few drops of vinegar or breathing in and holding your breath for 10 sec and then realizing it are some of the techniques which has found to be effective.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating depression. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms.
