Hiccups

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Hiccups

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Hiccups occur when a spasm contracts the diaphragm, causing an intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by the closure of the vocal cords (glottis). The closure of the vocal cords causes the characteristic "hiccup" sound.

Hiccups are also called hiccough and singultus.

A very full stomach (gastric distention) can cause bouts of hiccups. While annoying and at times embarrassing, most bouts of hiccups go away on their own and do not require any treatment.

Persistent hiccups last longer than 48 hours. Hiccups that last longer than a month are called intractable hiccups. Both persistent and intractable hiccups may be a sign of a more serious health problem and require evaluation by a health professional.

The treatment for persistent or intractable hiccups depends on the underlying cause of the hiccups and may range from medication to acupuncture or hypnosis. Sometimes several treatments may be tried before persistent or intractable hiccups are controlled.

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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