SINGULTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Singultation is a medical term used to describe an involuntary spasm or contraction of the diaphragm muscle, which results in sudden, repeated and uncontrollable hiccups. These hiccups are typically characterized by a short, sharp intake of breath, followed by a quick closing of the vocal cords, causing the characteristic "hic" sound. Singultation can occur at any age and can last for varying durations, ranging from a few minutes to several hours or even days.
Singultation is often caused by irritation or stimulation of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm muscle. This irritation can result from a variety of underlying factors, including eating or drinking too quickly, consuming hot or spicy foods, swallowing air, sudden changes in temperature, emotional stress, certain gastrointestinal disorders, or even some medications. It may also be associated with more serious medical conditions, such as central nervous system disorders, respiratory problems, or certain types of cancer.
Treatment for singultation typically depends on the underlying cause and severity of the hiccups. Simple home remedies, such as holding one's breath, drinking water, or slowly sipping a cold beverage, can often provide relief. In more persistent cases, medical interventions may be necessary, including prescribed medications, stimulation of the vagus nerve, or intense vagal maneuvers. It is important for individuals experiencing singultation to consult a healthcare professional if the hiccups persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SINGULTATION
- aingultation
- zingultation
- xingultation
- dingultation
- eingultation
- wingultation
- sungultation
- sjngultation
- skngultation
- songultation
- s9ngultation
- s8ngultation
- sibgultation
- simgultation
- sijgultation
- sihgultation
- sinfultation
- sinvultation
- sinbultation
- sinhultation
Etymology of SINGULTATION
The word "singultation" originated from the Latin word "singultus", which means "a gasping, sobbing, or hiccuping", derived from the verb "singultare", meaning "to sob or gasp". The Latin term itself comes from the noun "singultus", referring to the act of catching one's breath or hiccuping. Ultimately, the Latin word traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*sengwh-", which signifies "to take breath sharply", also found in other words related to respiration and breathing.
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