It’s known that sneezing is a reflex to prevent dust or nose hairs or whatever from getting down into the lungs, but why do people and animals sometimes get hiccups? What function does that serve, and what causes them?

Also, bonus points for any random useful tips on how to make hiccups go away…

  • morhp@lemmy.wtf
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    17
    ·
    2 years ago

    I believe I read that it helps with lung development when the fetus is swimming in the water in the womb or something like that. But otherwise not really useful.

    • bestnerd@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      16
      ·
      2 years ago

      Just saw our baby on the ultrasound do them. Doc said it was getting their lungs ready as well. Now when he does them my wife’s belly moves like jello.

        • ChexMax@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          2 years ago

          My baby’s hiccups were visable from the outside at week 32 and before that you could feel them from the outside for a week or two. Very neat! (Not as neat while I’m trying to sleep lol)