What Causes Hiccups?

HealthPrep Staff

Emotional Stress Or Excitement

Photo Credit: PromisesTreatmentCenters

Because hiccups are largely related to breathing and nerves, it makes sense that they can be caused by emotional stress or excitement. When someone gets excited, their breathing patterns change. Their heart rate speeds up, and many donâ€™t breathe properly because their body is overstimulated. This can result in the air displacement in the lungs, leading to hiccups. Emotional stress, anxiety, and similar conditions can have the same effect because they also affect the breathing patterns and regulated operation of the lungs and airways in the body. Individuals who have mental or emotional health issues may suffer from hiccups more frequently than others as a result.

Continue to reveal more common causes of hiccups now.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Photo Credit: GreenvilleHealthSystem

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a form of chronic heartburn and acid reflux that can be caused by overly processed food or other poor dietary practices. Acid reflux is extremely common in the West and other developed regions of the world. In patients with this condition, stomach acid travels the wrong way into the esophagus. The displaced stomach acid then irritates the diaphragm, initiating hiccups. A number of treatment options are available for those affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dietary adjustments, as well as medications called proton pump inhibitors, can help alleviate the symptoms. Also, quitting or limiting smoking and alcohol consumption has been shown to reduce gastroesophageal reflux disease and its associated symptoms like hiccups.

Learn more about the causes of hiccups now.

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Emotional Stress Or Excitement

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

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