What are hiccups?

Hiccups, also known as singultus, are an involuntary, repetitive contraction of the breathing muscles, specifically the diaphragm—the primary muscle located at the base of the lungs responsible for respiration. This contraction is followed by a rapid closing of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic sound of a hiccup [2].

Hiccups usually appear and disappear without a clear cause and last only for a few minutes in most cases. However, in rare instances, hiccups can persist for days, weeks, or even months, in which case it is known as persistent or intractable hiccups [1].

Causes of Short-Term Hiccups

Short-term hiccups often occur due to irritation of the diaphragm or the nerves that control it. Common causes include [2]:

• Eating too quickly.
• Overeating.
• Eating spicy or seasoned foods.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Drinking carbonated beverages.
• Feeling stressed or excited.
• Stomach fullness due to gas or bloating.
• Certain medications.
• Abdominal surgery.

When are Hiccups Considered Persistent, and Should You See a Doctor?

Hiccups are considered persistent if they last for more than two days, and in some rare cases, they may last for more than a month [1]. If you experience episodes of hiccups that last for more than a few days or occur continuously, it is necessary to consult a healthcare provider [3]. Persistent hiccups can interfere with sleeping, eating, drinking, and the ability to speak, and may lead to complications such as insomnia, fatigue, weight loss, malnutrition, and depression or anxiety [1].

Underlying Medical Causes of Persistent Hiccups

In some cases, persistent hiccups may indicate an underlying health issue. Medical causes can include [2]:

• Diseases or disorders that irritate the nerves controlling the diaphragm, such as pleurisy, pneumonia, or upper abdominal diseases [3].
• Central nervous system disorders.
• Metabolic disorders.
• Stroke or tumors affecting the brain [3].

There can be over 100 different causes for persistent hiccups, and often the exact cause is unknown [1]. If a doctor suspects an underlying cause, they may request additional tests to determine the diagnosis [3].

Home Remedies and Medical Treatment

There is no guaranteed way to stop hiccups, but there are several common suggestions that can be tried for short-term hiccups, such as [2]:

• Breathing repeatedly into a paper bag.
• Drinking a glass of cold water.
• Holding your breath.
• Gargling with ice water.

For persistent hiccups, treatment may involve addressing the underlying condition causing them. If there is no clear cause, medical options may include medications, or in very rare cases, procedures such as gastric lavage, carotid sinus massage (which must be performed by a healthcare provider only), or even injections to the phrenic nerve that controls the diaphragm [3].

For more information on persistent hiccups, you can visit Persistent Hiccups: When Is It Just an Annoyance and When Does It Indicate a Problem? (Arabic)

Medical references

• Chronic hiccup
• Hiccups
• Hiccups