The Physio Diary

Introduction Today's DIY post will walk you through what to do when you—or someone around you—has persistent hiccups. While hiccups are usually harmless, they can sometimes signal something serious. Before we dive in, you might want to explore the physiology of hiccups and why they sometimes persist. Check it out here .  Materials Needed A journal or diary to record symptoms and timeline What to Do Track the Duration How long has the hiccup lasted? Occasional hiccups are common and harmless. But if hiccups last more than 24 hours, seek medical attention immediately. While getting help, continue observing the person and check for other warning signs. Check for Other Symptoms Persistent hiccups plus other symptoms may indicate a serious medical issue, such as a stroke. Ask these questions to be sure: Do I feel dizzy or off-balance? Is my voice hoarse or weak? Am I having trouble swallowing? Is there numbness or tingling on one side of my face or body? Am I experiencing na...

Introduction We’ve all had hiccups—annoying, sometimes funny, and usually gone in minutes. But what happens when they stay, staring right back at you? You start to wonder: could this be something more serious? While hiccups are typically harmless, persistent or intractable hiccups can occasionally signal something much more severe. For medical professionals—especially those in neurology, geriatrics, or even you reading this—these seemingly minor spasms can hint at a hidden danger: stroke. Understanding the Hiccup Reflex Arc Hiccups often seem simple: eat too fast, drink something fizzy, get stressed, or forget to drink water after eating (yes, we’ve all tried that gallon of water trick). But what’s really happening behind the scenes? Medically, hiccups are triggered by a chain reaction known as the “hiccup reflex arc.” Think of it as a relay race: irritation starts at the diaphragm, travels via the phrenic and vagus nerves to the brainstem, and loops back with the command t...