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Hiccups - Background information
What is it?
- Hiccups involve a sudden, involuntary (reflex), usually unilateral, diaphragmatic contraction causing sudden inspiration. The incoming air is stopped by closure of the glottis which produces the characteristic sound. Hiccups do not appear to perform any useful or protective function, unlike other reflexes [Lewis, 2000; Schuchmann and Browne, 2007].
- Hiccups are usually transient, lasting less than 48 hours [Cymet, 2002].
- Persistent or protracted hiccups last between 48 hours and 1 month.
- Intractable hiccups last for more than 1 month.
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