Singultus

Singultus, derived from the Latin word for a gulp, is the medical term for hiccups – involuntary spasms of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, resulting in a characteristic 'hic' sound. It's a common, usually transient condition, often triggered by factors like rapid eating, carbonated drinks, or emotional stress. However, singultus can sometimes persist for longer durations, becoming chronic and indicative of underlying medical issues. Prolonged singultus can lead to fatigue, sleep disruption, and even nutritional deficiencies. While generally harmless, it can become a symptom of a more serious illness, demanding medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.

Singultus meaning with examples

• After eating the spicy chili, John was afflicted with persistent singultus. He tried holding his breath, but the involuntary spasms persisted, making conversation difficult. His friends offered suggestions, but the 'hic' sounds echoed through the restaurant, showcasing the frustrating persistence of the singultus and disrupting the peace of their meal.
• The doctor asked the patient about any recent episodes of singultus. The man described how he had uncontrollable hiccups for several days, interfering with his ability to rest and eat comfortably. The doctor needed to ascertain if this extended singultus was linked to an underlying cause to provide the correct care and treatment for the patient.
• The comedian's sudden outburst of singultus brought the audience into laughter, he incorporated the unexpected sound into the act. He jokingly pretended to try various cures, playing with the audience's anticipation between the 'hics'. His quick thinking and the sudden singultus were the highlights of the show, proving to be part of the planned act.
• The nurse monitored the patient, noting any instance of singultus. For patients under some medication, or going through surgery, the onset or presence of hiccups may become dangerous. Constant check-ups are needed for any signs of singultus, which required the attention of the medical team to avoid any complications.