The case study of the man is subject to further evaluation. But even if it is shocking, it is possible that hiccups occur in a way when the virus begins to attack vital organs.
At the moment, the man’s presentation of persistent hiccups has been called ‘rare’. However, the reason why hiccups occur is when something interferes with 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 in the phrenic nerve, which passes from the neck to the diaphragm, causes contractions, which in turn leads to the specific ‘hic’ sound sensation experienced with hiccups.
It should also be noted that the new coronavirus is already known to be deadly to the respiratory system and to cause complications such as shortness of breath or problems with breathing. Hiccups can therefore be a strange side effect to be warned about.
Interestingly, in the past, hiccups have also been associated with infections such as flu and tuberculosis.