The Science Behind Hiccups

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm contracts involuntarily. This sudden contraction is accompanied by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing the typical “hiccup” sound. The entire process is mediated by a reflex arc involving the diaphragm, phrenic nerve, vagus nerve, and brainstem.

Hiccups are divided into three types.

Transient hiccups: These are short-lived, lasting a few minutes, and are usually harmless.

Persistent hiccups: These last longer than 48 hours and may reveal an underlying problem.

Prolonged hiccups: Lasting for months or years, this condition is uncommon and is usually associated with serious health problems.

Common Causes of Hiccups

Hiccups are usually minor interruptions in normal body function. Some common causes are:

Eating too fast or eating too much: If the stomach is overstretched, it will stimulate the muscles to flare up, causing hiccups.

Consume carbonated drinks or alcohol: These can cause gas in the stomach, which can stimulate the function.

Sudden temperature changes: Eating food and drinking things that are too hot or too cold can affect the surrounding nerves, causing hiccups.

Emotional Stimulation: Stress and anxiety can put undue stress on the hiccup nerve, causing hiccups.

Causes of harm

Although most hiccups are benign, persistent hiccups can be a sign of a medical condition. Some possible causes include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid reflux can trigger a nerve reaction, causing hiccups.

Nervous system: Brain injury, multiple sclerosis, or body tumors are unlikely to cause hiccups.

Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids, anesthetics, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause hiccups as a side effect.

Prevent hiccups

Although there is no sure cure, some home remedies may prevent hiccups:

Breath control methods: Holding your breath, breathing into a paper bag, or taking slow, deep breaths can help control your diaphragm.

Drink water: Drinking cold water or gargling can help reset the vagus nerve.

Swallow honey or sugar: The consistency of honey or sugar can irritate the throat and break the hiccup cycle.

Pressure points: Gently pulling on the tongue or pressing on the diaphragm can relax the muscle.

Change your posture: Sitting with your knees touching your chest can help relieve diaphragm spasms.

When to seek medical attention

Hiccups that last longer than 48 hours or are accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or weight loss may require medical attention. If you experience frequent, persistent hiccups, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.

If you have these 4 feelings after meals frequently, Be Worried because ѕтoмαcн cαɴcer may occur

The stomach is a very important digestive organ in our body. The nutrients that the human body needs every day are obtained from the foods we eat. The stomach is an important organ in the body that stores food and has the main digestive function. But now an upset stomach has become a common problem for modern people.

According to global data in 2020, stomach cancer ranks 5th among common cancers with more than 1 million new cases, and ranks 4th in mortality due to malignancy with 770,000 cases.

If we have any of these 4 feelings after a meal, it is best not to ignore them but go to the hospital for examination promptly to prevent the occurrence of stomach cancer.

1. Frequent bloating

Maybe many people will experience this condition after eating, meaning they feel very full in the stomach. Sometimes you don’t feel hungry even if you don’t eat anything and you will feel full if you eat even a little. Many people may mistake this phenomenon as indigestion and ignore it.

General surgeon Daniel Joyce (USA) said your stomach may feel full and tense. “Stomach cancer can cause your stomach wall to become stiffer and reduce its ability to store food. In cases where stomach cancer spreads to the lining of the abdomen, it can cause a buildup of fluid in your abdominal cavity.

It can lead to bloating and gas to the point where you look like you’re 9 months pregnant. “You may only eat 20% of what you normally eat,” Dr. Joyce explains.

2. Heartburn

Indigestion is a common phenomenon that happens to many people. If food is difficult to digest or eating unhealthy can cause heartburn, causing us to feel a burning sensation in the chest and upper abdomen. This is because too much stomach acid enters the esophagus, which we commonly refer to as heartburn. If accompanied by frequent hiccups, it is best to go to the hospital to have your stomach health checked.

“If there is a large cancerous growth at the exit point of the stomach, fluid can accumulate and the path of least resistance can be back into the food pipe/esophagus,” says Dr. Joyce.

3. Nausea and vomiting

When we eat spoiled food or eat incompatible foods, we are very susceptible to food poisoning, causing nausea and vomiting. This phenomenon is due to gastrointestinal obstruction.

Nevertheless, if this condition occurs regularly without an apparent cause, it is advisable not to postpone seeking medical attention. Going to the hospital promptly is the optimal choice in such situations.

The food you eat and the liquids you drink cannot reach the duodenum, the first part of the intestine, when stomach cancer is in the way. “When you eat food, it has nowhere to go,” says Dr. Joyce. That sends signals to your brain and causes nausea.”

4. Black stools or blood in stools and vomit

Stool can evaluate the health of our body. If black stool appears when defecating, it can also be a sign of stomach cancer. Because malignant tumors in the stomach can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or small intestine, the stool will be black.

This symptom is less common but can occur if you lose a lot of blood. You may notice your stools turn a very dark color, known as black stools. “If the bleeding is very slow, you may not notice anything in your stool,” says Dr. Joyce.