Can hiccups be a sign of COVID-19? Here’s what doctors want you to know and what you need to do

The human case study is the subject of further evaluation. Yet, even though shockingly, it is possible that the hiccups can occur as when the virus begins to attack vital organs.

At present, the man’s presentation of persistent hiccups has been described as “rare”. However, hiccups occur when something obstructs the muscle that regulates respiratory function – in this case, the deadly SARS-COV-2 virus.

Hiccups occur when there is a spasm in the diaphragm. Irritation of the phrenic nerve, which passes from the neck to the diaphragm, causes contractions which, in turn, lead to the peculiar sound sensation of “hiccups” felt with hiccups.

It should also be noted that the new coronavirus is already known to be quite deadly for the respiratory system and induce complications such as shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Hiccups could therefore be a strange side effect to be aware of.

Interestingly, in the past, hiccups have also been linked with infections like the flu and tuberculosis.