The Science Behind: Hiccups

Today we’re *hiccup* to talk *hiccup* about hiccups.

Those sneaky little monsters can make everyday conversations very awkward. However, after a particularly annoying hiccuping fit, I questioned this phenomenon.

Why do we hiccup?

Hiccups occur when your diaphragm (the dome-shaped muscle between your lungs and stomach) gets irritated. Using the brain signals, your diaphragm moves air upwards as it forces the air to move out. It also moves downwards as it pulls the air in. But sometimes these brain signals mess up and the diaphragm moves downwards more forcefully. This causes you to suddenly suck air in your throat as it hits your voice box. That is what makes your vocal cords close making the ''hic'' sound.

Now as you read that you may be wondering, "Well what causes your brain signals to mess up?"

So there could be many reasons but some are listed below:

- Feeling nervous or excited

- Eating too much or too quickly

- Excitement or emotional stress

- Sudden temperature changes

Now after reading all the causes of hiccups, you may be wondering how to stop hiccups. Some ways to stop hiccups from occurring are listed below.

- Drink a glass of water quickly

- Have some frighten you

- Gargling with water

- Biting on a lemon

- Hold your breath

- Practice measured breathing

Hopefully, these techniques can help stop your hiccups next time you get them :)

Fascinating Fact: Charles Bosborne had the longest case of hiccups which lasted for 68 years!

Here is a quick riddle :)

-What kind of cup doesn’t hold water? -A Hiccup!

Well, that is all for today. See you next time.

Love,

Khushi

Sources:

-https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whats-the-science-behind-why-we-hiccup/

-https://www.portablepress.com/blog/2015/10/6-facts-hiccups/

-https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/illustration-girl-closing-her-mouth-hiccups-1272010867