Everyone gets hiccups from time to time.
Maybe you’ve tried to cure them by holding your breath or having someone scare you. But have you ever wondered what causes hiccups? And are hiccups ever dangerous?
Read on for answers to these and other questions about hiccups.
What Are Hiccups?
Hiccups are spasms of your diaphragm. These spasms cause an intake of breath that’s suddenly stopped by the quick closing of your vocal cords. The shutting of the vocal cords causes the “hic” sound of a hiccup.
“Hiccups are more prevalent in males and in tall people,” says Shane Eikenberry, MD, primary care doctor, Greater Pittsburgh Medical Associates–UPMC.
What Causes Hiccups?
Hiccups can occur when you have a very full stomach, which can be caused by:
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Eating too much too quickly.
- Stress or excitement,
- Sudden changes in stomach temperature caused by drinking a hot drink and then a cold drink, for example.
- Swallowing too much air (as a result of eating or drinking too fast, chewing gum, sucking on candy, drinking a carbonated beverage, or smoking).
Are Hiccups Ever Dangerous?
Hiccups are very rarely dangerous. But if hiccups last longer than 48 hours, they may be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as:
- A central nervous system problem, like cancer, infections, stroke, or injury.
- Irritation of the nerves in the head, neck, and chest.
- Mental health problems.
- A metabolic problem, such as decreased kidney function or hyperventilation.
How to Stop Hiccups
Hiccups usually go away on their own within a few minutes. But if hiccups are bothering you, you can safely try a few quick home remedies to make them stop:
- Breathe into a paper bag.
- Drink a glass of cold water quickly.
- Hold your breath briefly.
- Pull on your tongue gently.
- Swallow a teaspoon of honey.
Most hiccup home remedies work by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood.
When to See a Doctor
Although most hiccups go away on their own, if yours don’t, you should see a doctor if:
- Hiccups affect eating, sleeping, or breathing.
- Hiccups last longer than two days.
- You experience other symptoms, like pain or vomiting.
Chronic Hiccups Treatment Options
If your hiccups won’t go away, you may have a case of chronic hiccups. A referral from your primary care doctor to a neurologist or an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist) may be in order.
Treatment options for chronic hiccups include:
- Medications, particularly gabapentin, baclofen, and metoclopramide.
- Other therapies, including acupuncture or hypnosis.
If you experience chronic hiccups, see your primary care doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
To learn more about what may be causing your hiccups, visit UPMC Primary Care or call 1-855-676-8762 to schedule an appointment.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .