The man’s case study is subject to further evaluation. However, even if shocking, it is possible for hiccups to occur as a way for the virus to start attacking vital organs.
At the moment, the presentation of the man’s 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 happen when there is a spasm in the diaphragm. Irritation of the phrenic nerve, which runs from the neck to the diaphragm, causes contractions, which in turn lead to the sensation of a particular “hiccup” sound that occurs with hiccups.
It should also be noted that the new coronavirus is already known to be quite lethal to the respiratory system and to induce complications such as shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. Hiccups, therefore, can be a strange side effect to be warned about.
Interestingly, in the past, hiccups have also been linked to infections like flu and tuberculosis.