Hiccups are
mostly harmless
A hiccup (medical "singultus") usually
comes as a surprise and usually inconvenient. On the other hand, there is
rarely a serious health problem behind the hiccups, so that in most cases
self-help measures from the field of naturopathy are sufficient to end the
disease. Some of the traditional home remedies ,
tips and tricks sound pretty absurd at first - but it can be worth trying.
What causes
hiccups?
Hiccups (singultus) are usually caused by
irritation of the so-called phrenic nerve (diaphragmatic nerve). This is a
spinal cord nerve that arises from the neck area and supplies the diaphragm in
a motorized manner.
If the nerve is stimulated, the diaphragm, which is
suspended as a large muscle between the chest and abdomen, involuntarily
contracts. We breathe in automatically, whereupon the vocal folds (vocal
cords) also close. This is how the typical sound of the hiccups comes
about.
Mechanical and
thermal causes
The cause of the hiccups is often an irritation of
the diaphragm or the associated nerve (nervus phrenicus). This irritation
can be both mechanical and thermal in nature. Overly large meals,
carbonated drinks, very hot or ice-cold water, and hot spices can all trigger
the hiccups, as can external pressure. Strong gas formation (flatulence)
in the context of digestive disorders can be the cause.
Often, hasty eating or drinking and the associated
“swallowing of air” is the cause of the discomfort. Those who drink a lots
of alcohol and / or smoke heavily are also more susceptible. It is not
uncommon for the hiccups to be psychological. Because stress , excitement, fear or sudden shock quickly lead to hectic,
irregular breathing and thus to hiccups.
Disease
hiccups
More rarely, a more serious illness can be the
trigger for the uncomfortable scuffing. For example, so-called reflux , inflammation of the esophagus
(esophagitis) , esophageal diverticula or inflammation in the
area of the throat and larynx are possible.
Possible reasons are gastrointestinal flu
(gastroenteritis) or gastritis (inflammation
of the lining of the stomach), and chronic inflammatory bowel
disease such as Crohn's diseases or ulcerative colitis can also
be responsible for persistent hiccups. If there is also massive abdominal pain , there may be (sometimes
life-threatening) peritonitis, which absolutely requires medical treatment.
Liver diseases such as hepatitis A can cause
frequent hiccups. If the symptoms persist, a pathological enlargement of
the abdominal artery (aorta) can be the reason (abdominal aortic
aneurysm). Other possible causes are metabolic and hormonal disorders such
as diabetes mellitus (diabetes) or an overactive thyroid .
In some cases, hiccups are associated with an
enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which is also known colloquially as a “goiter”
or “ thick neck ”. Many of those affected report
feeling like they have a lump in their throat ,
and there are often shortness of breath during exercise or certain head
movements, hoarseness and swallowing problems .
Hiccups can be caused by diseases of the
brain. Because if the functions of the brain nerves are disturbed or
damaged, this can affect the autonomic nervous system or the vagus and
diaphragmatic nerves. For example, meningitis, brain inflammation
(encephalitis) or multiple sclerosis can be considered, and the hiccups can
also be an important alarm signal for a stroke .
In rare cases, tumors in the ear and surrounding
brain structures or growths in the throat are the cause of nerve irritation and
the resulting hiccups. In the case of tumors in the abdomen and chest, it
can happen that these (depending on where they are located) act directly on the
diaphragm and the phrenic nerve.
A swollen lymph nodes (eg infectious diseases or Hodgkin's disease ) in this area may also affect
the phrenic nerve. Persistent hiccups can also indicate a brain tumor or
tumor daughter tumors from other parts of the body (metastases).
Difficulty
hiccups from medication
In some cases, certain medications can be the cause
of the discomfort. These include, for example, benzodiazepines, which are
used as relaxants and sedatives (tranquilizers) or as sleep aids
(hypnotics). It is also possible that anesthetics, anti-epileptic drugs,
anti-Parkinson's drugs and substances used to treat tumor diseases
(chemotherapeutic drugs) have hiccups as a side effect. The same applies,
for example, to psychotropic drugs with antipsychotic, sedating and psychomotor
depressant effects (neuroleptics) and cortisone preparations (glucocorticoids).
If the hiccups appear to be more pronounced or more
frequent in connection with the use of medication, a discussion with the
attending physician should be held as soon as possible. Warning: If you have to take medication on a regular basis, do not stop
taking it on your own and do not change the prescribed application in order to
avoid any health risks. Always seek advice from your doctor first.
First aid:
home remedies for hiccups
There are various home remedies for acute hiccups
that often sound a bit strange at first. But many of the uses actually
cause the scuffle to stop. This is because the little tricks tend to
divert the focus away from the hiccups and keep the sufferer focused on the
exercise. Breathing calms down, allowing the diaphragm to relax again and
the hiccups to go away.
Even if there isn't one that is guaranteed to get
rid of the hiccups - just try several methods. It is important to breathe
slowly and regularly so that breathing can relax again and the hiccups
disappear. Take a depp breath and hold your breath for 20 to 30 seconds so
that the diaphragm can stabilize in the inhalation position and has a moment to
calm down.
In many cases, apple cider vinegar offers quick
relief by taking a teaspoon undiluted. It can also be useful to drink
lemon juice, bite into a slice of lemon or let an ice cube slowly dissolve in
your mouth. Alternatively, let a lump of sugar melt in your mouth or
slowly eat a teaspoonful of sugar.
In some cases, the hiccups can be relieved by
drinking a glass of cold, still water in quick, small sips. However, cold
drinks and food can also cause hiccups the other way around.
Some experts advise sticking out or pulling on your
tongue. Because in the course of this, breathing changes automatically,
which has a relaxing effect on the diaphragm and the body as a whole.
Chew a clove to calm down the irritated
diaphragm. Inhaling a small amount of pepper through your nose can have a
soothing effect. This is because the sneezing that this creates is
basically nothing more than an “explosive” exhalation, which balances out the
breathing and, in the best of cases, dispels the hiccups.
As a medicinal plant in
the will Naturopathy in hiccups the dill (Anethum
graveolens) often recommended because it contains anti-spasm agents and
especially helps accordingly when the hiccup to a digestive disorder is due. The seeds of the
herb can be chewed, or you can prepare a medicinal tea with the leaves.
In general, be careful not to drink too quickly and
not to gobble while eating. Take your time, eat slowly and chew each bite
thoroughly (“ fletching ”). Refrain
from eatings and talking at the same time and try to speak slowly and calmly at
all times.
Avoid very cold, very hot or very spicy dishes
(with chilli, tabasco, etc.) as well as alcohol and nicotine on an empty
stomach. Avoid (especially) with lavish meals, drinks containing carbon
dioxide such as beer, sparkling wine or cola and instead use still water or the
like.
