Why do we get hiccups?!

hi Baby,

From a physical standpoint, hiccups are caused by uncontrolled spasms of the diaphragm. Each spasm causes quick intake of breath, which makes a hiccup. The phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, is directly responsible for these spasms. From a physiological standpoint, the medical community has not reached a consensus on why hiccups occur. One thing doctors agree on is that hiccups do not seem to serve any useful purpose.

There are many factors that can cause a person to have the hiccups. Eating or drinking too quickly gives some people hiccups. Sometimes spicy food, very hot food, or very cold food causes hiccups.

The most common triggers for short-term hiccups include:

* Eating too much
* Drinking carbonated beverages
* Excessive consumption of alcohol
* Sudden temperature changes
* Excitement or emotional stress

Hiccups that last more than 48 hours may be caused by a variety of factors, which are generally grouped into the following categories:

Nerve damage or irritation
The most common cause of long-term hiccups is damage or irritation of the vagus nerves or phrenic nerves, which serve the diaphragm muscle. Factors that may cause damage or irritation to these nerves include:

* A hair or something else in your ear touching your eardrum
* Sore throat or laryngitis
* A tumor, cyst or goiter in your neck
* Gastroesophageal reflux

Central nervous system disorders
A tumor or infection in your central nervous system or damage to your central nervous system as a result of trauma can disrupt your body's normal control of the hiccup reflex. Examples include:

* Stroke
* Multiple sclerosis
* Tumors
* Meningitis
* Encephalitis
* Traumatic brain injury

Metabolic disorders and drugs

* Alcoholism
* Anesthesia
* Barbiturates
* Diabetes
* Electrolyte imbalance
* Kidney failure
* Steroids
* Tranquilizers


I hope I have answered your questions. If not, please let me know. Keep me posted on your progress.

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Oh the question man kind has been pondering for many thousands of years. You get hiccups when you are afraid, excited, or just because. Your hiccups are just a muscle contractions in you're sternum.

Get this you also get them when you're looking at someone you love because you tend to hold you're breathe a lot...........

experience and a little medical studies

QUOTE: " A spasm of the diaphragm resulting in a rapid, involuntary inhalation that is stopped by the sudden closure of the glottis and accompanied by a sharp, distinctive sound."

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hiccup