DiseaseInjuryNutritionPoison
Special TopicSurgerySymptomsTest
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
OverviewTreatment

Hiccups

Definition:
A hiccup is a sound produced by unintentional movement of the muscle at the base of the lungs (diaphragm) followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords.

Alternative Names:
Singultus

Considerations:
Hiccups often start for no apparent reason and usually disappear after a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups can persist for days, weeks, or months.

Common Causes:
  • Noxious fumes
  • Hot and spicy foods or liquids
  • Any disease or disorder that irritates the nerves that control the diaphragm (such as pleurisy or pneumonia)
  • Stroke or tumor affecting the "hiccup center" in the brain
  • Abdominal surgery

There may be no obvious cause for hiccups.



Review Date: 5/4/2003
Reviewed By: Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com