Hiccups (hiccoughs) - what are they?
- Hiccups are medically known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) or singultus.
- A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm suddenly contracts involuntarily, while at the same time the larynx (voice box) contracts too and the glottis closes, effective blocking the flow of air.
- In the majority of cases, hiccups resolve on their own within a short space of time.
- Sometimes, however, they may persist and become a nuisance, impacting on sleep, eating, or everyday life.
World record for continuous hiccups - 68 years
- According to Guinness World Records, the record for hiccupping continuously is held by Charles Osborne (1892-1991), from Anthon, Iowa, USA. He hiccupped continuously for 68 years, from 1922 to 1990.
- While Osborne was preparing to slaughter a 300-pound hog in 1922, the animal collapsed on top of him - and so began his decades of non-stop hiccupping. He had one "hic" every ten seconds for the next 68 years.
