What are hiccups and how serious are they?
Though most people are unaware of this, a hiccup results from a spasm of the diaphragm. Associated with this spasm is a sudden intake of breath and a closing of the glottis (the space between the vocal cords at the upper part of the larynx). While ordinary hiccups, caused by such things as stress and overeating, have few if any consequences, troublesome, prolonged, and uncontrollable hiccups can lead to more serious problems. These problems can include: depression, acid reflux, heart rhythm disturbances, fatigue, and so on. Troublesome hiccups can be the result of a variety of things, including alcoholism, AIDS complications, encephalitis, meningitis, various gastrointestinal problems, and reactions to medications. So if you do have prolonged, recurring bouts of hiccups, be sure to get a check up from your doctor.
