Do hiccups serve any actual useful biological function? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by over_clox@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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It's known that sneezing is a reflex to prevent dust or nose hairs or whatever from getting down into the lungs, but why do people and animals sometimes get hiccups? What function does that serve, and what causes them?

Also, bonus points for any random useful tips on how to make hiccups go away...

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[-] theherk@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

A few things. First, the only tip I’ve even been given about getting rid of hiccups is drinking a glass of water upside down. As in, lips to the backside of the glass then leaning forward so far you can drink it. And you must drink quite a bit, maybe 300ml. Is this purely anecdotal? For me and those around me, yes, but maybe there is research about it. But it works for us, without fail, and it seems unbelievable even to me.

Regarding sneezing, I am currently discovering it has another feature where after having a few prosthetic discs inserted into your lower back via your abdomen, a sneeze also doubles as the world’s fastest impetus for suicidal ideation.

[-] Tavarin@lemmy.ca 5 points 1 year ago

Holding in a very deep breathe for as long as you can can also get rid of hiccups. Works for me at least, and no need to look silly leaned over with a glass of water.

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this post was submitted on 21 Nov 2023

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