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Understanding Hiccups: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Jerome Albert Ecker | MD

Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on May 10th, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • The diaphragm muscle contracts involuntarily 4-60 times per minute during episodes, creating the distinctive sound when rapid inhalation hits the closed vocal cords.
  • Most episodes resolve spontaneously within minutes to 2 hours, but persistent cases lasting over 48 hours occur in less than 1% of people and require medical evaluation.
  • Common triggers include eating large meals, consuming carbonated beverages or alcohol, sudden temperature changes from hot/cold foods, and emotional stress or excitement.
  • Simple remedies like holding breath for 10-20 seconds, breathing into a paper bag, or swallowing a teaspoon of granulated sugar work by increasing CO2 levels and interrupting the spasm cycle.
  • Eating slowly, taking smaller bites, avoiding carbonated drinks, and preventing rapid temperature changes can reduce episode frequency by up to 70%.

Hiccups are a common bodily function that everyone experiences from time to time. While they can be amusing at first, persistent hiccups can quickly become annoying and uncomfortable. In this article, we'll explore the causes of hiccups, how to stop them, and when to seek medical attention for prolonged hiccups.

What Causes Hiccups?

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located between the lungs and stomach, experiences sudden spasms. These spasms cause you to abruptly inhale air, which then hits your voice box, causing your vocal cords to close rapidly. This process creates the characteristic "hic" sound associated with hiccups.

Several factors can irritate the diaphragm and lead to hiccups, including:

  • Eating too much or too quickly

  • Feeling nervous or excited

  • Drinking carbonated beverages or excessive alcohol

  • Stress

  • Sudden changes in temperature

  • Swallowing air while sucking on candy or chewing gum

Understanding Hiccups: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When Hiccups Persist: Long-term Hiccups

In rare cases, hiccups can persist for an extended period. This is usually due to damage or irritation to the nerves connected to the diaphragm. Various factors can affect these nerves, such as:

  • A hair touching the eardrum

  • Sore throat

  • Tumors, goiters, or cysts in the neck

  • Central nervous system disorders (e.g., encephalitis or meningitis)

  • Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes or kidney failure)

  • Certain medications (e.g., steroids or tranquilizers)

  • Medical procedures requiring anesthesia

If your hiccups last for more than 48 hours, are severe enough to interfere with daily activities like eating, breathing, or sleeping, or cause significant distress, it's essential to consult your doctor. They will review your symptoms and may order imaging to evaluate the diaphragm. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if you experience stomach pain, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, or coughing up blood along with your hiccups.

How to Stop Hiccups

While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of popular hiccup remedies like being scared or hanging upside down, some techniques may help relax the diaphragm and stop hiccups:

  • Holding your breath

  • Breathing into a paper bag (this increases carbon dioxide levels in the lungs, which may relax the diaphragm)

If your hiccups persist for several days or more, your doctor may prescribe medications to help alleviate the symptoms.

In conclusion, hiccups are a common and usually harmless bodily function. However, if you experience prolonged or severe hiccups accompanied by other symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying health issues. By understanding the causes and treatment options for hiccups, you can better manage this sometimes annoying but generally benign condition.

For more information on hiccups and other related topics, visit:

The Bottom Line

Most episodes are harmless and resolve quickly with simple breath-holding techniques or home remedies. Seek medical attention if episodes persist beyond 48 hours or interfere with eating, sleeping, or breathing. If you're experiencing prolonged or concerning symptoms, Doctronic can help you determine if medical evaluation is needed.

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