The involuntary spasm of the glottis that occurs when you bolt down your food or eat something excessively spicy was not originally called a hiccup: it was called a yex, and if you suffered a series of them, you were yexing. The word yex, which first appeared in English around 1400, acquired a rival around 1540 in the form of hickock, a word that originated as an imitation of the sound of a hiccup. From hickock, the word hiccup developed around 1580, which then acquired an alternate spelling in 1626 as hiccough; this alternate spelling, based on the mistaken impression that a hiccup is a kind of cough, has never affected either the pronunciation of the word or the production of the spasm. Meanwhile, as the word hiccup underwent these vagaries, the word yex remained quietly current and stable; even in the late nineteenth century it was still used as a quaint alternate for hiccup.
Sharp inspiratory sound with spasm of the glottis and diaphragm.
A spasm in the diaphragm which causes a sudden inhalation of breath followed by sudden closure of the glottis which makes a characteristic sound.
Characteristic sound produced by involuntary spasm of the diaphragm and rapid closure of the glottis as air is breathed in. Hiccups sometimes indicate indigestion, too-rapid eating, or alcoholism, but in most cases have no identifiable cause. Also called hiccough, singultus.
An involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, followed by the closing of the epiglottis over the vocal cords, producing a characteristic sound. Most hiccups last for only a few minutes. Although not normally a cause for concern, hiccups that persist can lead to exhaustion. Hiccups are caused by a temporary irritation to the diaphragm or the nerves that control it. Occasionally, they are due to a nervous disorder. In rare cases, hiccups are associated with serious diseases such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), inflammation of the esophagus due to causes such as persistent esophageal reflux (the backward flow of acid from the stomach up into the esophagus), or kidney failure.
Abrupt involuntary lowering of the diaphragm and closure of the sound-producing folds at the upper end of the trachea, producing a characteristic sound as the breath is drawn in. Hiccups, which usually occur repeatedly, may be caused by indigestion or more serious disorders, such as alcoholism.
An involuntary spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm which produces an indrawing of breath during which there is a sudden closure of the vocal cords. This results in the well-known sound and sensation. It is usually of benign cause (e.g. indigestion) but may be a symptom of medullary brain damage, uraemia, typhoid fever or encephalitis lethargica. There are many folk remedies for hiccups, but most cases subside spontaneously. Prolonged hiccups due to disease may respond to treatment with chlorpromazine.
A spasmodic periodic closure of the glottis following spasmodic lowering of the diaphragm, causing a short, sharp, inspiratory cough. Hiccups may occur transiently or may occasionally be intractable, lasting days, weeks, or longer.
Hiccups are characterized by a sudden, uncontrolled contraction of the diaphragm, quickly followed by a swift closure of the vocal cords. Most hiccup episodes only last a few minutes and are not of medical concern. However, occasionally they may result from a condition like pneumonia or pancreatitis that irritates the diaphragm or phrenic nerves. For frequent or extended bouts of hiccups, medications such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, or diazepam might be prescribed.
A spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm, resulting in the familiar sound known as a hiccup. Hiccups can occasionally manifest in an epidemic-like fashion, affecting entire communities, likely due to viral infections. They can also signal a significant decline in a patient’s condition during the course of a severe illness. Various remedies claimed to “guarantee” the cessation of hiccups are available, ranging from the use of oil of peppermint on sugar in more affordable options to sipping ice-cold champagne in the higher-end category. There are numerous other remedies as well, most of which contain either carminatives or stomach sedatives. It’s important to note that one remedy that should never be attempted is an unexpected slap on the back, as this can cause severe shock in sensitive individuals.