Understanding Hiccups

Hiccups are a sudden, involuntary squeezing of the diaphragm, the main breathing muscle under the lungs. In medicine it is known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF), or singultus. The hiccup involves a reflex arc. Once triggered, the reflex causes a strong contraction of the diaphragm followed about 0.25 seconds later by closure of the vocal cords, which results in the classic "hic" sound. Hiccups will usually stop on their own.

Most simple cases of hiccups come after eating or drinking too much or too quickly. The stomach, which is situated right below the diaphragm, becomes distended and irritates it.


Sometimes hiccups will occur because of a disturbance to the nerve pathways from the brain to the muscles involved. This explains why hiccups may occur with temperature changes or emotional situations. Alcohol and excess smoking also trigger hiccups sometimes.

Persistent hiccups may signify problems in the brain, spinal cord or any of the structures around the diaphragm or chest wall. Continuous hiccups lasting for more than a day or two may indicate a cause of an underlying disease, which needs medical intervention.

Ayurveda considers hiccups as a respiratory disorder called "Hidma". Acharyas have mentioned a lot of preparations in the treatment of this condition. The treatment principle is to tone up the "Pranavaha Srothas". Pranavaha srotas refers to the pulmonology complex of the human body which includes the heart, trachea, pulmonary vessels, lungs and its associated structures.