In this edition, we are discussing Hiccups – involuntary sounds made by repeated spasms of the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is the muscle that separates your chest from your stomach area and plays an important role in breathing.

When a hiccup occurs, you feel a sharp contraction of the diaphragm that is felt just below the breastbone, you involuntarily suck air into the throat, and your epiglottis suddenly snaps shut producing a hic sound.

Now it is not certain what causes hiccups but eating a large meal, drinking alcoholic or carbonated beverages, or getting excited suddenly may be potential triggers.

Hiccups are harmless and usually resolve by themselves in a few minutes, but they can last longer, in fact, the longest bout of hiccups lasted for 68 years!