Singultus

Singultus

Singultus (pronounced: sin-GUL-tus) is a medical term more commonly known as hiccups. The term originates from the Latin word "singult" which means "the act of catching one's breath while sobbing".

Definition

Singultus is a condition that causes a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, a muscle that plays an important role in breathing. This contraction results in a quick, often repetitive, inhalation that is immediately followed by the closure of the vocal cords, producing a distinctive 'hic' sound.

Causes

Singultus can be caused by a variety of factors, including eating too quickly, consuming certain foods or beverages, or emotional stress or excitement. In some cases, singultus can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), a brain tumor, or a stroke.

Treatment

Treatment for singultus often involves addressing the underlying cause, if known. For instance, if singultus is caused by GERD, treatment may involve medications to reduce stomach acid. If no cause can be identified, treatment may involve techniques to interrupt the hiccup cycle, such as holding one's breath, drinking a glass of water quickly, or pulling hard on the tongue.

Related Terms

• Diaphragm (anatomy)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Stroke
• Brain tumor

See Also

• List of medical terms
• Medical dictionary

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Singultus
• Wikipedia's article - Singultus

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