Hiccups or hiccoughs are one of the most common reflexes that may occur in a human body. It is a sudden jerking of the diaphragm, which causes the vocal cords to close.

Hiccups do not result from particular cause, according to Dr Jamil Muhammad, the medical director of City Medicals in Bukoto. There are so many different types of hiccups including episodes hiccups (these disappear on their own).

There are also protracted hiccups (in Luganda language its called Kasikonda… One should contact a medical doctor in case a problem persists. The protracted hiccups results from stimulation of the diaphragm causing it to spasm. Protracted hiccups are caused by too much eating and over drinking of alcohol.

Most hiccups are self-limiting, especially when one drinks water. Dr. Jamil says that eating less food helps you to reduce on cases of protracted hiccups. He says hiccups kill if they are not controlled.

Ends