People get hiccups because of involuntary spasms or contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing. These spasms cause the vocal cords to close suddenly, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. Common triggers include eating or drinking too quickly, swallowing air, drinking carbonated or alcoholic beverages, eating spicy foods, sudden excitement or stress, and sudden temperature changes. In some cases, hiccups can be caused by irritation or damage to nerves that control the diaphragm, or as a symptom of underlying medical conditions, but most hiccups are temporary and harmless.
