The exact cause of hiccups is not fully understood, but they are thought to be caused by a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. This contraction causes the vocal cords to close, which produces the characteristic “hic” sound.
There are many things that can trigger hiccups, including:
- Eating too quickly or too much
- Drinking carbonated beverages
- Swallowing air
- Smoking
- Stress
- Excitement
- Injury to the diaphragm or nerves that control it
- Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, stomach ulcers, and stroke
Hiccups are usually harmless and go away on their own within a few minutes or hours. However, in some cases, they can last for days or even weeks. Persistent hiccups can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so it is important to see a doctor if they do not go away on their own.
There are a few things you can do to try to stop hiccups:
- Hold your breath for as long as you can.
- Drink a glass of water upside down.
- Swallow a teaspoon of sugar.
- Put a finger in your ear.
- Press on the soft spot between your eyebrows.
- Get scared or startled.
If you have tried these home remedies and your hiccups are still not going away, you may want to see a doctor. They may be able to prescribe medication to help stop the hiccups.