Why do we hiccup? 🫁
My first tweetorial 😬 #MedEd#MedTwitter#FOAMed
There are a few theories…
The prevailing theory is that over consumption (ie food/air) causes oesophageal/gastric irritation.
This sends signals ⬆️ to 🧠 then signals ⬇️ to diaphragm...
The diaphragm will transiently contract, which will ⬆️ the intra-thoracic volume and simultaneously ⬇️ intra-thoracic pressure (forcing air to rush into the lungs - down a pressure gradient).
The glottis will reflexively close (protective?) = causing *HICCUP* sound…
