Are You Getting Frequent Hiccups? Acid Reflux

Article Title: Are You Getting Frequent Hiccups? Acid Reflux
May Be Why
Author: Kathryn Whittaker

If you are experiencing hiccups, acid reflux could be a
contributory factor and you may need to find a remedy to find
relief from this non-serious, yet distressing symptom.
 
Hiccups, also called hiccoughs, result when the diaphragm
suddenly contracts. The diaphragm is the thin muscle located
under the heart and lungs that separates the chest from the
abdomen and assists with inhaling. After the diaphragm
contracts, the top portion of the windpipe known as the glottis,
immediately closes which creates the characteristic "hic" sound
of hiccups.
 
A hiccup is a reflex you have no control over and can be hard
to stop. That being said, the interesting fact about hiccups is
that unlike other reflexes (I.E. sneezing, coughing, etc.), a
hiccup does not appear to have a useful purpose.
 
What is the hiccups acid reflux connection? Most people have a
case of the hiccups every once in a while, and in many of these
instances, the spell of hiccups is brief, and there is no
apparent reason why it was experienced. However, if hiccups are
related to acid reflux, it is not uncommon for hiccups to be
persistent and last for hours, this could be because of:
 
- Temporary swollen stomach - This could be caused by eating
too quickly, overeating, drinking carbonated beverages,
swallowing air.
 
- Alcohol - This is more common with fizzy alcohol drinks such
as beer, sparkling wine, and mixed drinks. Too much air may also
be swallowed while drinking alcohol.
 
- Excessive smoking - taking in too much air
 
- Emotional stress - when stressed many people tend to overeat,
eat too fast, drink alcohol, smoke excessively, and are more
prone to gulping air.
 
How can you treat hiccups? In many cases, there is no need for
treatment because hiccups will typically disappear as quickly as
they occurred. However, the following are some remedies you can
try to treat mild hiccups:
 
- Drink a full glass of water
- Sip ice water
- Suck on an ice cube
- Hold your breath for 30 seconds
- Breath rapidly
- Breath into a paper bag
- Pull your knees into your chest
- Gasping from sudden fright
- Distract your mind from thinking about the hiccups
 
The above hiccup remedies will usually only work with short
bouts of hiccups, and will not cure persistent hiccups that last
for longer than 24 hours, or hiccups that recur frequently
throughout the day. If you have persistent hiccups, they could
be the cause of acid reflux, in which case you should be
experiencing other acid reflux symptoms aside from the hiccups
including heartburn, belching, regurgitation, coughing, etc.
Therefore, try the following to remedy your acid reflux hiccups:

 
- Avoid drinking alcohol and carbonated beverages
- Stop smoking
- Eat and drink slowly. You should also eat small portions of
food to prevent overeating.
- Reduce stress. Find ways to relax or release bottled up
energy through exercise, meditation, or taking part in
activities you enjoy.
 
If you try the above remedies and they do not work, you should
see your doctor to discover what the underlying cause of your
hiccups are. You may discover that your hiccups and acid reflux
are not related. The reason is because there are more than 100
conditions that can cause hiccups. Usually when the underlying
cause is identified, persistent hiccups can be cured.