A hiccup, also referred to as a hiccough or singultus, is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm that causes a sudden consumption of breath. It’s usually accompanied by a attribute sound, which is brought on by the sudden closure of the vocal cords. Hiccups could be brought on by a wide range of elements, together with consuming too shortly, consuming carbonated drinks, or being nervous. They’re often innocent and can go away on their very own inside a couple of minutes.
In some circumstances, hiccups is usually a signal of a extra severe medical situation, resembling gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD) or a hiatal hernia. When you’ve got persistent hiccups that don’t go away on their very own, it is very important see a physician to rule out any underlying medical circumstances.