Hiccups are an involuntary reflex that happens when the diaphragm and chest muscles suddenly contract, followed by the closure of the glottis and vibration of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic "hic" sound.
Hiccups often happen after overeating or during times of stress. They can also be triggered by certain medications, gastrointestinal problems, and, in some cases, cancer.
The medical term for hiccups is “singultus.” They typically go away on their own within a few minutes. However, if hiccups are persistent or occur along with other symptoms, it’s important to see a primary care doctor to determine the cause and start the right treatment.
What causes hiccups?
The most common causes of hiccups include:
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Eating too quickly or having very large meals, which leads to stomach expansion
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Drinking too many carbonated or alcoholic beverages
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Spicy foods that can irritate the digestive tract
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Breathing in irritating substances like smoke
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Feeling anxious, excited, or scared, especially when breathing becomes rapid
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Swallowing air while laughing or eating fast
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Use of certain medications, such as sedatives, chemotherapy drugs, or corticosteroids
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Gastrointestinal conditions like acid reflux or hiatal hernia
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Brain injuries caused by stroke or head trauma
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Cancer in organs such as the esophagus, liver, or brain
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Imbalances in blood mineral levels
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Buildup of urea in the body
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Lung infections
Hiccups are triggered by stimulation of nerves like the vagus and phrenic nerves, or the area of the brain that controls the muscles used for breathing.
Persistent hiccups
Persistent or chronic hiccups can be caused by common situations, like swallowing too much air or drinking a lot of carbonated beverages. However, they may also be linked to medical conditions such as acid reflux, esophagitis, brain tumors, meningitis, encephalitis, or stroke.
Hiccups in babies
Hiccups are common in babies and can even occur in the womb, usually due to the development of the chest muscles and diaphragm. This is considered normal and not a cause for concern.
In newborns, hiccups may happen when they swallow too much air or eat too much at once.
However, if a baby’s hiccups last longer than 2 days, interfere with sleep, or occur along with other symptoms, they may be a sign of an infection or inflammation. In these cases, it's important to consult a pediatrician for further evaluation.
How to stop hiccups
Hiccups usually stop on their own within a few minutes. However, there are some remedies that may help relieve them faster.
1. Home remedies to stop hiccups
Some home strategies that may help stop hiccups include:
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Drinking cold water
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Holding your breath for about 20 seconds
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Hugging your knees to your chest
These techniques may help stimulate the vagus nerve and calm the diaphragm contractions.
2. Medication for hiccups
When hiccups are persistent, a doctor may prescribe medications like chlorpromazine, metoclopramide, or baclofen. These can help stop hiccups and reduce discomfort. Learn more about the medications for hiccups your doctor can prescribe.
Hiccup classification
Hiccups can be classified based on how long they last:
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Episodic or acute: short episodes that resolve on their own, usually lasting a few minutes to up to 48 hours
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Persistent: lasting between 48 hours and 2 months
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Intractable: lasting longer than 2 months
Identifying how long hiccups last is important, as it helps guide a doctor’s assessment and the choice of treatment.
When hiccups can be serious
Hiccups are generally not dangerous. However, they may signal an underlying health issue when:
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They occur with other symptoms like fever, cough, abdominal pain, or weight loss
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They last for more than 2 days
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They continue during sleep
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They interfere with eating, drinking, sleeping, or talking
In these situations, it’s important to see a primary care doctor. The doctor may recommend tests such as a chest X-ray, brain MRI, abdominal ultrasound, or blood tests to investigate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.