How To Get Rid Of Hiccups
Hiccups are produced when the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the chest and abdomen, contracts involuntarily. After each contraction, the vocal cords close suddenly, producing the 'hic' noise for which this condition is named. Hiccups typically last for just a few minutes; however, some individuals may have chronic hiccups that last for several months. Carbonated and alcoholic beverages are among the most common causes of hiccups, and individuals might also develop them if they are suddenly surprised or as a result of exposure to sudden changes in temperature. Eating a large meal or swallowing air while chewing gum or eating hard candies could trigger hiccups for some patients too. Hiccups that last more than forty-eight hours may be caused by infections or diseases that affect the central nervous system, including meningitis, tumors, multiple sclerosis, and strokes. Electrolyte imbalances, diabetes, and renal disease might trigger hiccups for some individuals, and others could develop them due to recent anesthesia or use of barbiturates, steroids, or tranquilizers.
The home remedies and medical treatments discussed below are often useful for patients experiencing hiccups.
Medication Options
Medication options are normally only needed in cases of chronic hiccups. If the clinician chooses to prescribe medicine, they will normally begin with a prescription for a muscle relaxant such as baclofen. Patients taking baclofen should be aware of the possibility for side effects, including constipation, fatigue, increased urination, headaches, and insomnia. If muscle relaxants are ineffective, the physician may choose to prescribe a gut motility stimulator like metoclopramide, a drug also used to treat reflux disease and diabetes. While taking this medication, patients might develop diarrhea, weight gain, and problems with urinary control. Potential side effects of a more serious nature might include depression, suicidal thoughts, sweating, slow or uncontrollable movements, and fever. These serious effects should be reported to the prescribing doctor immediately. As a last resort, healthcare professionals could opt to prescribe an antipsychotic medication such as chlorpromazine if other drugs have not worked. Patients using chlorpromazine might experience blurry vision, weight gain, nausea, and dry mouth. In particular, patients should tell their doctor if serious side effects occur while taking chlorpromazine; these may include agitation, muscle cramps, swallowing difficulties, and tremors.
Uncover more options for getting rid of hiccups now.