Hiccups that occur unexpectedly during daily life. Most hiccups go away quickly, but if the symptoms persist for a long time or if they improve and then worsen repeatedly, caution is needed. Intractable or persistent hiccups can last from 24 hours to over 25 years. Based on sources such as the American health and medical media 'Health,' we have looked into serious illnesses that hiccups can cause.

A hiccup lasting about 30 minutes is not dangerous.

 

Hiccups generally occur due to stimulation of the diaphragm. They mainly appear when eating food quickly or in large amounts. They can also occur due to stomach distension or inflammation, or when swallowing hot or irritating substances, or when there are obstructions in the esophagus or stomach.

 

Young children also frequently hiccup. During 1 to 2 months of age, they may hiccup when minor cold sensations, such as changing diapers, are felt. Normal hiccups are harmless, and lasting about 30 minutes is okay. However, hiccups that occur after abdominal surgery or due to illness can cause pain and difficulty breathing.

If it persists for more than 48 hours, there may be an underlying disease.

 

Hiccups usually stop naturally over time. Typically, hiccups improve within 20 to 30 minutes. If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. Conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, esophageal lesions, inflammation or tumors of the liver or kidneys can damage the nerve functions that control the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.

 

In cases of brain tumors, symptoms caused by increased intracranial pressure include headaches, vomiting, and dizziness. Even when intracranial pressure rises significantly, hiccups may occur due to irregular breathing. There is also a case where a singer who had been hiccuping daily for three years stopped hiccuping after having a brain tumor removed.

 

Several years ago, the BBC in the UK reported on the story of guitarist Christopher Sands, who suffered for two and a half years from hiccups and was dramatically cured. At that time, Sands was known as the 'Hiccup Man,' hiccuping every two seconds. It was later discovered that he had a tumor in his head. The tumor affected his nervous system, causing him to hiccup continuously. Surgery was difficult. However, at the Royal Humberside Hospital in Sheffield, Yorkshire, after removing 60% of the tumor, a miracle occurred, and Sands' hiccups stopped.

If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours like this, it should not be ignored. Refractory hiccups may indicate other underlying conditions that need to be considered.

 

How can I stop hiccups?

 

According to medical data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and university hospitals, the methods to stop hiccups are as follows: stimulating the nasopharynx by pulling the tongue, rinsing the mouth with water, slowly swallowing ice water, and sucking on a lemon wedge. Additionally, pressing on the acupressure point near the eyes with your hand to relieve tension may also help.

 

There is also a method to surprise the person by diverting their attention elsewhere. This can be done by placing about a spoonful of sugar in their mouth and then swallowing it. However, since this may induce vomiting, it is best not to use this method if possible. Another method is to hold a paper bag to the mouth and breathe slowly and deeply about ten times.

Drinking water can also stop hiccups. You can also try tickling the roof of your mouth. There have been cases where hiccups stopped after gently stimulating the roof of the mouth with a cotton swab. Temporarily holding your breath can also be effective.

 

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A joke among the elderly: "Did you steal and eat something?"

I also make jokes...

 

It takes a lot of time when eating quickly.

Hiccups for exactly 48 hours

It won't stop.. It's too dangerous.

 

Drinking sugar water. Scaring someone.

This method has been used frequently.