Why do we hiccup? - John Cameron

Summary

This script explores the phenomenon of hiccups, starting with unusual cases like Charles Osborne’s 68-year-long hiccup episode and Jennifer Mee’s frequent hiccups. It delves into potential causes, such as overeating or intense emotions, and explains the physiological process behind hiccups. The script also discusses theories about the evolutionary origins of hiccups, including its potential link to early fish transitioning from water to land and the nursing habits of mammals. Despite various home remedies, scientists have yet to find a consistently effective cure.

Takeaways

• 🐖 Charles Osborne hiccuped continuously for 68 years, holding the world record for hiccup longevity.
• 👩‍🦰 Jennifer Mee experienced frequent hiccups, hiccuping 50 times per minute for over four weeks in 2007.
• 🍽 Hiccups can be caused by stimuli that stretch the stomach, such as swallowing air or eating and drinking too quickly.
• 😢 Emotional triggers like laughing, crying, anxiety, or excitement can also lead to hiccups.
• 💨 Hiccups start with an involuntary diaphragm spasm, causing a sudden intake of air followed by the closure of the vocal cords.
• 🎶 The characteristic 'hic' sound occurs when the vocal cords close after the air intake is stopped from reaching the lungs.
• 🧬 The evolutionary purpose of hiccups is unclear, with some theories suggesting they may be remnants of ancient respiratory systems.
• 🐸 One hypothesis links hiccups to amphibians, as they transition from gill-breathing tadpoles to air-breathing adults.
• 👶 Another theory suggests hiccups may aid in burping during nursing in mammals, particularly infants, to prevent milk from entering the lungs.
• 🥤 Home remedies for hiccups, like drinking water or holding your breath, lack scientific proof of effectiveness.

Q & A

Who holds the world record for the longest bout of hiccups?

Charles Osborne holds the world record for the longest bout of hiccups, starting in 1922 and lasting for 68 years.

Who experienced frequent hiccups at a high rate, and when did this occur?

Florida teen Jennifer Mee experienced frequent hiccups, 50 times per minute for more than four weeks, in 2007.

What are some common causes of hiccups mentioned in the transcript?

Hiccups can be caused by stimuli that stretch the stomach, such as swallowing air, rapid eating or drinking, and can also be triggered by intense emotions like laughing, sobbing, anxiety, and excitement.

What physiological mechanism causes a hiccup?

A hiccup begins with an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, followed by the sudden closure of the vocal cords, stopping the intake of air and producing the characteristic 'hic' sound.

Is there any known function or medical advantage for hiccups?

There is no known medical or physiological advantage for hiccups, and they remain a challenge for evolutionary biologists.

What evolutionary theory is suggested to explain the origin of hiccups?

One theory suggests that hiccups are a relic of the transition from water to land, where early fish used a similar reflex to move water over gills and prevent it from entering the lungs.

How is the neural patterning involved in hiccups linked to amphibians?

The neural patterning responsible for hiccups is almost identical to the patterning involved in respiration in amphibians, supporting the idea of an evolutionary connection.

Why do some scientists believe hiccups provide an advantage for mammals?

Some scientists believe hiccups help mammals, especially infants, remove air from the stomach while nursing, preventing milk from entering the lungs during feeding.

Why are hiccups more common in infants than adults?

Hiccups are more common in infants because they may be linked to the process of nursing, where the hiccup reflex helps to manage air intake and prevent choking on milk.

What home remedies are commonly used to stop hiccups, and is any method scientifically proven?

Common home remedies include sipping cold water, holding one's breath, eating honey or peanut butter, breathing into a paper bag, or being frightened. However, no single cure has been scientifically proven to work consistently.