You Say Hiccoughs .... and I Say Hiccups!

by Shelley White
^{(creative writers at www.morewriting.co.uk)}
I'll tell you a tale of my friend Rick
Out of the blue he'd begin to 'hic'
He wanted to learn about this condition
So that is what I made my mission.

The hiccups result from a sudden contraction
Of the diaphragm, the muscle that causes this action.
Under your lungs the diaphragm's found
It helps you breathe in, I'll try to expound.

Your glottis (the top of your windpipe) then shuts
And this makes the typical sound of hiccups
You can't stop a hiccup 'cause it is a reflex-
Like coughing and sneezing, it's not all that complex.

Most people get hiccups from time to time
Sometimes they'll occur with no reason or rhyme
Maybe you've eaten or drunk too fast
Or consumed too much porridge for your breakfast.

Was that sausage too hot? Too much ice in your drink?
Was there sudden excitement that made your face pink?
These are some things to make you go 'hic'
Take my advice, your hiccups you'll lick ...

Most bouts need no treatment and usually go
Some remedies to stop them, I'll let you know ...
Try sipping cold water or holding your breath
Gasp after a fright that scared you to death.

Bite on a lemon, swallow sugar, granulated,
Breathe into a paper bag till you're sated
Try pulling your knees up to your chest
Everybody's got a cure that they like best!

Have you hiccupped for twenty four hours or more?
Had frequent short bouts? - then you shouldn't ignore.
I then would advise you to visit the doc
Any underlying cause he may well unlock.