Overview

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a crucial role in breathing. These contractions are followed by the sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic “hic” sound. Hiccups can occur for various reasons, often triggered by factors such as eating too quickly, consuming carbonated beverages, sudden excitement or stress, and even temperature changes.

In most cases, hiccups are harmless and resolve on their own within a few minutes to a couple of hours. However, persistent hiccups, lasting more than 48 hours, may indicate an underlying medical condition such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), nerve irritation, or metabolic disorders, and warrant medical attention.

There are several home remedies to help stop hiccups, including holding your breath, drinking a glass of cold water, or swallowing a teaspoon of sugar. These methods aim to stimulate the vagus nerve or the diaphragm to reset the hiccup reflex.