Hiccup is a sign that you are still growing?

Everyone gets a hiccup once in a while. Whenever you get hiccup, people say that it is a sign that you are still growing. This is not true.

Hiccup is the result when the diaphragm—a muscle that divides the chest and the abdomen—suddenly contracts, and the epiglottis-a flap of cartilage above the vocal chords—closes. The air is being sucked in, as the diaphragm contracts, stopped by the epiglottis, producing the characteristic sharp sound. These contractions occur about two to three each minute. Hiccups are common but harmless, usually stopping after a few minutes.

However, chronic hiccups that last for days, months or even years may be symptoms of serious underlying diseases. Although not yet fully known, many experts attribute it to the stimulation of the nerves in the diaphragm. Factors that trigger hiccups include excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, excessive laughter, eating too fast and stress. It does not in any way affect the growth of a person. – Dr. King C. Dulay, East Avenue General Hospital, Quezon City