Are Hiccups and Heartburn Linked?

Medical research has made attempts to determine if hiccups and heartburn are linked. While there appears to be anecdotal evidence to the nexus between the two, there is little hard evidence so far. The occasional case of hiccups probably is not linked to heartburn. However, in persistent cases, since hiccups tend to affect one's sense of well-being and perhaps even interfere with one's consumption during meals, the tendency for hiccups and heartburn to be related is higher. Some episodes of hiccups can last for hours, days or even years in some people. The cases of people suffering from gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD, tend to show higher instances of hiccups and heartburn.

What are Hiccups?

Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm. These spasms occur on both sides of the diagram; though one side at a time. In most people, the left side of the diaphragm is affected most. Hiccups are known to happen from an early age - from the fetus, and can happen to anyone. Fetuses in fact spend up to 2.5% of their hiccupping. The normal rate of hiccupping in most people varies between four and sixty times per minute. Medical researchers have a difficult time assessing the link between hiccups and heartburn; since one can precede the other or vice versa.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a searing pain or discomfort in the chest area arising from the regurgitation of stomach acids back up along the esophagus and up into the throat. Since the acid reflux leaves a sour taste in the mouth; it used to be commonly known as sour stomach. In a person who has heartburn, the abdominal sphincter is impaired and is unable to retain all of the stomach's contents. Some of this acidic content escapes and burns the sensitive esophageal walls causing the familiar symptoms. If hiccups and heartburn happen at the same time, the hiccup spasms force more of the caustic stomach contents back up into the throat.

In the case of hiccups and heartburn, one rarely needs medical attention for the hiccup spasm. There are several ways to quell the spasms - many handed down the generations. This can include holding one's breath or drinking a glass of water. There are of course other rather comical ways to overcome hiccups.

In the case of heartburns, however, if the symptoms persist and occur more than twice a week, medication attention may be required. For occasional heartburn, some lifestyle and dietary changes may be all that are necessary to bring about relief. There are also various over the counter antacids and syrups that can be taken to get relief from heartburn symptoms.

Most cases involving hiccups and heartburn are deemed to be medical emergencies. However, if either or both conditions tend to persist, it is always a good idea to seek prompt medical attention to diagnose the underlying factors and start a treatment plan to get quick and permanent relief.

Related articles

What Is Heartburn?

Understanding Heartburn

How are Acid Reflux and Heartburn Related?

Chronic Heartburn Afflicts Millions

Coffee And Heartburn: How Hevla Technology Allows Coffee To Be Drunk Without Worry Of Heartburn

Constant Heartburn Is A Serious Issue Needing Prompt Attention