Can Someone Hiccup Underwater?

The question of whether someone can hiccup underwater has sparked much debate and various conflicting answers. In this article, we explore the physiological and biological aspects behind hiccups and underwater breathing to provide a clear and informed perspective.

Myths and Controversies

The discussion around hiccupping underwater is laden with myths and misconceptions. One popular belief is that you can hiccup underwater, while another suggests it is impossible due to the nature of hiccups and breathing patterns.

Scientific Explanation of Hiccups

A hiccough is an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, a muscle that helps in breathing. This contraction can be disrupted by sudden movements like swallowing air or gas, leading to this familiar, and often uncomfortable, hiccupping sound. When hiccupping, the vocal cords close quickly, creating the distinctive noise. The act of hiccups typically involves a sudden intake of air, which can be dangerous if done underwater as it can lead to water being drawn into the lungs, potentially causing drowning.

Underwater Breathing and Hiccups

During underwater breathing, it is crucial to hold one's breath. Attempts to hiccough under water can be risky. When you hiccough, you contract your diaphragm and a sudden intake of air occurs. This could indeed lead to water being inhaled, which is extremely dangerous. Therefore, holding your breath is essential to prevent inhaling water, and attempting to hiccup would exacerbate this risk.

Alternative Perspectives

Guest opinions add another layer of complexity to this discussion. One account suggests that hiccupping underwater is possible, primarily because the vocal cords can still perform their function and the sound can travel slightly through the water. However, this view also highlights practical and safety concerns. Sound waves do not travel well underwater, which would make the hiccups inaudible from the surface, but the act itself can still be considered 'hiccoughing' from a biological standpoint.

Biological Realities and Evolutionary Insights

From a biological and evolutionary perspective, humans are not designed for underwater breathing. Our ancestors may have had gill-like structures at one point, known as branchial arches, which have since been co-opted for other functions like facial expression. However, this does not translate to modern humans being able to breathe underwater.

Mammalian Adaptations

Mammals, including whales and dolphins, are not capable of breathing underwater due to several physiological reasons. Oxygen is much less soluble in water than air, making it difficult to obtain sufficient oxygen from the water. Additionally, the work required to breathe through water is significantly higher, often thousands of times greater than breathing air. Fish, on the other hand, have adapted to breathe using structures called gills, which allow them to extract the necessary oxygen from water and handle continuous flow of water over their gills.

Diaphragm vs. Branchial Muscles

Hiccups are specifically related to the diaphragm, not the branchial muscles. Branchial myoclonus, while interesting, is not directly connected to hiccupping. Hiccups involve the sudden contraction of the diaphragm and the closing of the vocal cords, processes that are not directly linked to gill breathing.

Conclusion

The conclusion from a comprehensive biological and physiological analysis is clear: it is impossible, and indeed dangerous, to hiccup underwater. While the vocal cords can still function briefly, holding one's breath and avoiding water inhalation is the safest practice. Understanding these biological realities helps explain why certain actions, like hiccupping, are not compatible with underwater breathing.

Keywords

Hiccups, Underwater Breathing, Biological Adaptations, Evolution, Branchial Arch, Mammals, Gills