I get the hickups at least 10 times a day. Why? What are hickups for?
2007-02-02 03:51:56 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Hi Krystal. You sure get some 'interesting' answers on this site!
Hiccups result from spasms of the diaphragm muscle. They can be caused by a hiatal hernia, irritation to the nerve that innervates the diaphragm muscle (the phrenic nerve that originates in the neck), cervical (neck) spinal subluxations (which irritate the phrenic nerve), mineral deficiencies such as magnesium, calcium and potassium that also contribute to other muscle spasms tendencies, and other, less common toxicities or structural disorders.
You may want to see your family Chiropractor for an evaluation. A good Chiropractor can usually address the hiatal hernia and cervical subluxation/nerve irritation problems and help you evaluate your nutrition/mineral status.
Best wishes and good luck.
2007-02-02 08:23:01 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One possible beneficial effect of hiccups is to dislodge large chunks of food, which have become stuck in the esophagus, or which are traveling too slowly.
When a large piece of food is swallowed, which the natural peristalsis of the esophagus is unable to move quickly into the stomach, it applies pressure on the phrenic nerve, invoking the hiccup reflex.
This causes the diaphragm to contract, creating a vacuum in the thoracic cavity, which creates a region of low pressure on the side of the lump of food nearest the stomach, and a region of high pressure on the side of the lump of food nearest the mouth. This pressure differential across the food creates a force, which assists peristalsis.
In humans, gravity partially assists peristalsis, but in quadrupeds and many marine vertebrates, their oesophagi run roughly perpendicular to the force of gravity, so that gravity provides little assistance.
The hiccup mechanism likely evolved as an aid to peristalsis in our ancestors. It only now appears to offer little benefit, because humans are upright, so that gravity assists peristalsis, making it very unlikely for food to become lodged in the oesophagus.
.
2007-02-02 11:53:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
hiccups are just a minor disruption in the breathing process, your diaphragm gets out of synch with the normal process and you get a sudden inhalation and the sound is caused by your vocal chords closing.
2007-02-02 12:01:40 · answer #3 · answered by startrektosnewenterpriselovethem 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your body needs more oxygen, try some deep breathing exercises, breathe in for five counts and breathe out for seven count exhausting the air in your lungs.
2007-02-02 11:55:48 · answer #4 · answered by ♥ Etheria ♥ 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They are temporarily possessed by a minor demon because they have sinned.
2007-02-02 11:56:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=9896
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_118.html
Read these links and it should answer all your questions about hiccups.
Best answer please?
2007-02-02 12:14:20 · answer #6 · answered by Tell It Like It Is! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋