Hiccups after alcohol: from what and why?

An episodic involuntary reflex in the form of a convulsive contraction of the diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscles with a sharp, suddenly stopping inhalation and closing of the vocal cords is not a pathology, but why does hiccups appear so often after alcohol?

Causes hiccups after drinking

The causes of hiccups after drinking alcoholic beverages are alcohol itself, especially strong alcohol. It irritates not only the mucous membranes of the esophagus wall and the receptors of the gastric mucosa, but also the nerves located near the esophagus: the anterior branches of the vagus nerve (nervus vagus) passing into the abdominal cavity through the esophageal opening of the diaphragm and the phrenic nerve (nervus phrenicus), which controls the movement of the diaphragm. [ 1 ]

Thus, irritation of the esophagus causes irritation of these nerves, causing the muscles of the diaphragm to contract, causing hiccups.[ 2 ]

Risk factors

Factors that increase the likelihood of hiccups after drinking alcohol include drinking too much, swallowing air while drinking (especially quickly) and eating, and stretching of the stomach.

Severe hiccups after drinking carbonated alcohol and beer are associated with the expansion of the stomach, which leads to irritation of the vagus nerve and diaphragm.

Also, acid reflux into the esophagus should not be ruled out, since alcohol reduces the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and simultaneously increases acid production in the stomach.

Pathogenesis

As with hiccups after eating, the mechanism of occurrence of hiccups after alcohol is due to the fact that due to the irritating effect on the phrenic and vagus nerves, there is a frequent contraction of the diaphragm, the fascia of the internal muscular legs of which limit the muscular ring of the diaphragmatic-esophageal opening and, converging, fit tightly to the esophagus.

And prolonged hiccups after alcohol, like other symptoms of a hangover, are a consequence of the reaction of the central nervous system to ethyl alcohol intoxication. In what cases hiccups are possible after alcohol in a dream is unknown, since in a horizontal position the esophagus is relaxed, and sleep, as shown by polysomnography data, inhibits hiccups.

Treatment hiccups after drinking

Here are some tips on how to get rid of hiccups after drinking alcohol quickly.

First, holding your breath for a few seconds helps – after inhaling, then take a few deep breaths. You can repeat this three or four times.

Secondly, proven remedies for hiccups after alcohol: a glass of water drunk without stopping; a slice of lemon placed in the mouth or half a teaspoon of granulated sugar (which should be placed on the root of the tongue). [ 3 ]

Additionally, you can try:

• gargle with cold water;
• cough;
• press hard on the bridge of the nose several times;
• change your body position to compress your diaphragm, such as sitting with your knees drawn toward your chest or tilting your chest toward your knees.

Complications and consequences

Post-alcohol hiccups are physiological and occur without complications or consequences.

But if hiccups do not go away after drinking alcohol for two or more days, you should seek medical help, as this may be a sign of a serious health problem, in particular, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm and other gastrointestinal pathologies, damage to the brain or spinal cord, disorders of the autonomic nervous system, malignant tumors, etc.

Prevention

The surest way to avoid hiccups after drinking alcohol is to abstain from it... At the very least, you should drink it in moderation and slowly.

You should also avoid drinking carbonated alcoholic beverages, and it is better to drink beer from a glass rather than from a bottle or can.