Is there a Link between Hiccups and Heartburn?

Some experts have indicated that there is a relationship between hiccups and heartburn. There is indeed some evidence indicating that hiccups can cause heartburn or vice versa, but unfortunately there is minimum documented research showing an obvious link between the two. What we do know right now is that in the case of persistent and intractable hiccups that last for a very long period of time, hours or days, this is the most likely condition where hiccups can lead to heartburn. In this one particular situation, there is an apparent link between hiccups and heartburn. This is especially true for people who are suffering from chronic heartburn or commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The science of hiccups

Basically hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm. In general, the spasms happen on one side of the diaphragm at a time. Most cases of hiccups are caused by the spasms on the left side. Every person can be affected by hiccups, even babies that are still in womb can experience this condition. Some studies have found that babies in the womb approximately spend 2.5% of their time hiccupping. Hiccup is considered normal when it happens four to sixty times every minute. In some cases, hiccups precede heartburn, while in others heartburn precedes hiccups. This situation creates confusion to determine the relationship between hiccups and heartburn.

Information on heartburn

Heartburn can be described as a burning sensation that you feel in your chest area. Usually heartburn happens after eating a meal and the burning sensation can travel to your throat. In some cases, you feel a bitter or sour taste in your mouth, thus heartburn sometimes is called as a sour stomach.

The common cause of heartburn is the inability of a valve at the base of your esophagus to close properly. Therefore, the stomach acids can travel up into your esophagus around your throat and create the burning sensation. If hiccups and heartburn happen at the same time, the spasms of hiccups can further worsen the burning and sour taste.

Hiccups and heartburn

If you feel that there is a relationship between your hiccups and heartburn, there are simple steps that you can take to relieve the problem. Try to hold your breath and drink a glass of water to alleviate the hiccups. Hiccups usually are not a serious condition and it is very unlikely that you need to go to a doctor for a cure.

For the heartburn problem, it can be alleviated by eating smaller meals, do not go to bed immediately after having a meal, and elevating your chest and head slightly while sleeping. In general, heartburn does not always require professional help. However, when you are suffering from hiccups and heartburn twice or more times a week, then it is advisable to consult to your doctor for proper diagnosis.