Ever wonder about hiccups?

Hiccups, do you ever wonder what causes hiccups? And more importantly, how to do you get rid of hiccups?
After reading the following, courtesy of Newspaper Metro, I have a better understanding of why hiccups come about.
Hiccups may not be a medical emergency, but they certainly can be a nuisance.
Also known as “singultus,” hiccups can come out of nowhere and last for quite some time. An effective way to alleviate hiccups has proven elusive to many, forcing many people to ponder if they can be prevented.
According to the resource Kids Health, the funny noises and other annoying ticks associated with hiccups can be blamed in part on the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of the chest.
When the diaphragm is working correctly, it helps to regulate breathing. In a contracted position, the diaphragm lets air into the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes, the lungs release carbon dioxide.
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm starts contracting erratically and out of rhythm. These spasms can cause the larynx and vocal cords to close suddenly, resulting in a sharp intake of air and the hiccup chirp that occurs thereafter.
Hiccups can stop and start abruptly, for no reason at all.
But certain things may contribute to hiccups. These include:
–eating spicy food
–drinking carbonated beverages
–sudden changes in air temperature
–excitement or emotional stress
–swallowing too much air
–overeating
Many cases of hiccups last only a few minutes, but for some people hiccups can last a while longer.
Persistent hiccups are caused by injury or irritation to the nerves that control the movement of the diaphragm.
Sometimes this results from acid reflux, degenerative nerve diseases, like multiple sclerosis, or even brain injury. Hiccups also may last longer due to overuse of tobacco or alcohol. Males tend to be more prone to hiccups than females.
While there are a number of ways to treat hiccups, there is no definitive cure. Holding one’s breath or putting sugar under the tongue are some of the more popular remedies.
Hiccups are largely a nuisance and not a medical emergency.
However, knowing how to get them under control can be a relief.