Hiccoughs

Hiccoughs, more commonly spelled "hiccups," are involuntary, spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle located at the base of the chest cavity responsible for breathing. These contractions cause a sudden intake of breath, which is quickly cut off by the closing of the glottis, producing a characteristic 'hic' sound. They are usually harmless and self-limiting, lasting from a few minutes to several hours, but persistent hiccups can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. The triggers can range from eating too quickly or consuming carbonated beverages to stress and changes in temperature. They are often a minor inconvenience, easily resolved with simple remedies like holding one's breath or drinking water. However, in rare instances, they might require medical attention.

Hiccoughs meaning with examples

• After devouring his pizza at lightning speed, little Timmy started to get a bad case of the hiccoughs. His dad suggested drinking a glass of water to try and stop it. It was embarrassing to get hiccups on his date, but he thought he might have eaten too fast.
• The sudden bout of hiccoughs interrupted the speaker's eloquent presentation, causing a ripple of amusement through the audience. He paused, took a deep breath, and then continued, apologizing for the unexpected interlude. He tried holding his breath to stop them.
• Stress from the upcoming exam seemed to have triggered a persistent series of hiccoughs for Sarah, making it difficult for her to concentrate on studying. Her roommate kept trying different remedies but nothing worked. She was really distracted.
• The baby giggled with amusement at the sound of her own hiccoughs, finding the sudden spasms quite comical. Her mother thought the hiccups were cute and kept smiling at her. The baby had just finished her feeding, and was starting to have problems.
• Having downed several cans of soda, the athlete found himself battling a case of the hiccoughs during his weightlifting session, making it challenging to focus on his workout. He thought it would be a good idea to take a break. The burps were a little loud.