Hiccup, also known as hiccoughs, refers to the upward movement of air from the stomach, causing a frequent and abrupt sound in the throat. It is a common physiological phenomenon caused by the spasm and contraction of the diaphragm. Even healthy individuals may experience temporary hiccups, often related to diet, especially eating too quickly or too much, consuming hot or cold foods and drinks, or drinking alcohol. Changes in external temperature and excessive smoking can also cause hiccups. Hiccups that occur frequently or last for more than 24 hours are known as intractable hiccups, which often occur in certain diseases.
In many cases, hiccups can occur, such as emotional distress, which can cause hiccups. Prolonged hiccups can cause anxiety and aggravate diaphragm spasms. In addition, eating cold food such as raw salads and fruits, or fried food, can also cause hiccups and exacerbate diaphragm spasms. It is also recommended to eat smaller meals more frequently to avoid feeling bloated.
Clinical manifestations
Hiccups are caused by the spasm and contraction of the diaphragm, resulting in a sudden closure of the glottis during inhalation, producing a short and abrupt sound. It can occur in one or both sides of the diaphragm. In normal healthy individuals, hiccups can be caused by swallowing too quickly, sudden gasping, or a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure. They often resolve on their own. Some cases may persist for a long time and become intractable hiccups.
Massage treatment should focus on widening the chest, promoting diaphragmatic movement, and regulating qi. The massage technique should use the method of catharsis. Instruct the patient to lie on their back with palms facing up, legs bent. The doctor stands on the right side of the patient and uses the thumb to knead the Zhongwan and Zusanli points in a counterclockwise direction for 5-10 minutes, causing a sour and swollen sensation to spread. Then use the thumb to massage the Neiguan point with the technique of "One Finger Zen" for 5-10 minutes, until a sour and swollen sensation is felt. When kneading the Zhongwan and Zusanli points, the force should be directed towards the feet, and when massaging the Neiguan point, the force should be directed towards the upper arm.
Zusanli is the acupoint of the Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming, which has a special effect in treating all spleen and stomach diseases. In addition, the Neiguan point on the Pericardium Meridian of Hand Jueyin can widen the chest and promote diaphragmatic movement, relieving the chest and diaphragm from the cold and stagnation caused by spleen and stomach disharmony. This combination of two acupoints can effectively treat hiccups. In addition, if there is stomach fire, the acupoint Inner Court can be added; if there is food stagnation, the acupoint Lower Stomach can be added; if there is qi stagnation, the acupoint Supporting Gutter can be added; if there is deficiency of qi, the acupoint Guanyuan can be added; if there is deficiency of stomach yin, the acupoint Yinlingquan can be added for better results.
Other methods of treatment
1. Deep breathing
When hiccups occur during eating, pause and take a few deep breaths, which often helps to stop hiccups quickly.
2. Drinking water and bending over
Bend the body to a 90-degree angle and drink a few sips of warm water. Because the stomach is close to the diaphragm, drinking warm water internally can warm the diaphragm. When bending over, the internal organs will also massage the diaphragm, relieving diaphragm spasms and instantly stopping hiccups.
3. Breath-holding technique
Hold your breath directly for 30-45 seconds, or take a clean chopstick and gently stimulate the back of the upper 1/3 of the palate. The hiccup symptoms will immediately stop. However, this method should be used with caution in individuals with poor cardiac and pulmonary function.
4. Startle method
Give a sudden pat on the back of the person experiencing hiccups when they are not paying attention, which can also stop hiccups. Startling acts as a strong emotional stimulus that can suppress diaphragm spasms by transmitting signals to the subcutaneous centers through the cortex. However, this method should be used with caution in individuals with hypertension and heart disease.
5. Exhaling into a paper bag
Cover your mouth and nose with a small plastic bag and take 3-5 deep breaths. Repeatedly inhaling the exhaled carbon dioxide increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, which inhibits hiccups.
6. Stretching the tongue method
When hiccups persist, place a clean gauze on the tongue and use your fingers to gently pull and stretch the tongue outward. At this time, you will feel the gas rising in the abdomen, and the hiccups will naturally disappear.
7. Sneezing method
When hiccups occur, attempting to induce a sneeze can stop the hiccups. You can sniff some pepper to induce a sneeze.
8. For infants with hiccups, you can pick up the baby and gently tickle the mouth or ears with your fingertips. Usually, when the baby laughs, the hiccups will stop.
