The man’s case study is subject to further evaluation. However, even if shocking, it may be possible for hiccups to appear in a way that the virus begins to attack vital organs.
Currently, man’s presentation of persistent hiccups has been labeled “rare”. However, the reason why hiccups happen is when something obstructs the muscle that regulates respiratory function – in this case, the deadly SARS-VOC-2 virus.
Hiccups occur when there is a spasm in the diaphragm. Irritation of the phrenic nerve, which runs along the neck to the diaphragm, causes contractions, which in turn leads to the particular “hiccup” sound sensation experienced with hiccups.
It should also be noted that the new coronavirus is already known to be quite lethal to the respiratory system and induces complications such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Hiccups, therefore, could be a strange side effect to be warned about.
Interestingly, in the past, hiccups have also been associated with infections such as the flu and tuberculosis.