Hiccups are caused by spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is actually not a membrane separating the chest and abdominal cavities, but a large muscle. Each time it contracts smoothly, our lungs draw in a breath of air; since it is controlled by the respiratory center of the brain, the diaphragm muscle moves regularly, our breathing can function completely autonomously, and we don’t need to remember how to breathe all the time. During hiccups, the diaphragm muscle involuntarily contracts, air is rapidly drawn into the lungs, and the cleft between the two vocal cords suddenly narrows, thus causing a strange sound. It is not clear why the diaphragm contracts uncontrollably on its own. Although most hiccups are transient, some people have persistent hiccups. Hiccups are often caused by overeating. There are various causes of hiccups, including functional or organic changes in the stomach and esophagus. There are also external substances, biochemical and physical stimuli that cause them. For example, too much air entering the stomach and overflowing from the mouth, psychoneurological factors (such as vagal excitement and pyloric spasm), poor eating habits (such as eating and drinking too quickly), and excessive swallowing movements (such as when there is too much or too little salivation), etc. Gastrointestinal neurosis and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that cause a weakening of gastric motility are frequent and do not improve easily when treated. If the hiccups are caused by overfull and rapid eating, they can be relieved automatically within a few minutes, and if they are caused by chronic diseases, they can be relieved after antispasmodic and gastric motility treatment. However, do not take cold drinks or do strenuous exercise when you have hiccups. Clinical manifestations 1. Systemic and neurological manifestations Pay attention to the presence or absence of vital signs, local signs and meningeal irritation signs. 2. Local manifestations of head and neck, chest and abdomen, the presence or absence of inflammation and tumor in each area. Chest fluoroscopy during seizure can determine whether the diaphragm spasm is unilateral or bilateral. If necessary, CT chest can be done to exclude the disease of phrenic nerve stimulation. If central neuropathy is suspected, head CT, MRI, EEG, etc. may be done. If digestive system lesions are suspected, abdominal X-ray, B-mode ultrasound, gastrointestinal imaging, abdominal CT and hepatopancreatic function tests may be done if necessary, and clinical biochemical tests may be done to exclude toxic and metabolic diseases. If digestive system lesions are suspected, abdominal X-ray, B-mode ultrasound, gastrointestinal imaging, abdominal CT and hepatopancreatic function tests will be performed if necessary, and clinical biochemical examinations will be performed to exclude toxic and metabolic diseases.