involuntary esophageal contraction of the diaphragm (muscle separating chest from abdomen) and respiratory organs that repeats several times per minute. The spasm happens with a sudden closure of the glottis (the opening between the vocal folds) and a characteristic sound like that of a cough. Possible causes include: eating and drinking too fast, irritation to the nerves that control normal contractions of the diaphragm - such as due to eating hot or spicy foods or drinking carbonated liquids (fizzy drinks), eating a large meal, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking, sudden excitement or emotional stress, swallowing air. Home remedies include eating chocolate or peanut butter.
