Hiccups are involuntary sounds made by spasms of the diaphragm, which is a large sheet of muscle slung beneath the lungs that, together with the intercostal muscles, causes us to breathe. Hiccups occur when particular stimuli trigger the nerves to send the diaphragm into spasms. Some common causes of hiccups include:
- Eating too much or too quickly
- Drinking carbonated beverages or too much alcohol
- Feeling nervous or excited
- Experiencing sudden temperature changes
- Swallowing air, such as when chewing gum or smoking
- Eating hot or spicy foods
- Indigestion
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Fizzy drinks
- Cigarette smoking
- Stress
- Bad odors
- Pregnancy
Hiccups are usually temporary and go away on their own after a few minutes. However, in rare cases, they can persist for days, weeks, or even years. Prolonged hiccups may be symptomatic of underlying disorders such as nerve damage or irritation, central nervous system disorders, metabolic issues, and certain drug and alcohol problems.
