Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, suddenly contracts. This contraction causes air to be drawn in, followed by the abrupt closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. Hiccups are categorized based on their duration: - "Regular" hiccups typically last up to 48 hours. - "Persistent hiccups" continue for more than 48 hours but less than a month. - "Intractable hiccups" persist for over a month.Usually, hiccups resolve on their own without any lasting consequences. However, in some individuals, they can continue for an extended period, leading to issues such as poor sleep, fatigue, and decreased appetite. Alternative names for "hiccups" include "hickup" and "singultus."
