Because prolonged hiccups can indicate structural disturbances, infection or inflammation …
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Hiccups occur when your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your lungs and stomach, suddenly and involuntarily contracts, says Dr. Melvin Look, doctor and consultant surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.
This contraction draws air into the lungs and if this occurs suddenly when your voice box contracts, a sound that sounds like “hic” occurs.
According to Look, as reported by Channel News Asia, Monday, the cause of the diaphragm to experience this is not yet clear.
Prolonged hiccups can be very annoying because they affect your speech. This condition can last a few minutes and go away on its own but if it lasts more than two days or continues to recur for 48 hours, then consult a doctor immediately.
Also read: Tips to stop hiccups
“Because prolonged hiccups can indicate a structural disturbance, infection or inflammation affecting the central nervous system or specific nerves or its branches,” said gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Dr. Amitabh Monga.
According to him, these disorders may include diseases of the stomach, liver, pancreas or brain.
Then, how to deal with hiccups?
Also read: Hiccups like that experienced by Sandiaga Uno
Look says the simplest treatments for hiccups involve several common mechanisms such as holding your breath briefly or breathing in while leaning forward with your knees drawn to your chest.
Additionally, gargling appears to stimulate your throat, which is another way to disrupt the involuntary action of your diaphragm.
According to Monga, the efficacy of this method has not been confirmed. Even so, this method is easy to do and has a low risk of complications, so it doesn’t hurt to try.
If there is no underlying medical cause, the doctor may prescribe medication to stop it.
Also read: How to deal with hiccups
Also read: Prolonged hiccups can cause dehydration to depression
Translator: Lia Wanadriani Santosa
Editor: Suryanto
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