Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle under your lungs that drives breathing. Each spasm pulls air in sharply, and a split second later the vocal cords snap shut, which makes the “hic” sound. Most bouts stop on their own within a few minutes, sometimes within an hour or two.
Common triggers
- eating too fast or eating a large meal, which stretches the stomach
- carbonated drinks, beer and other alcohol
- swallowing air, for example while chewing gum or talking while eating
- very hot or spicy food
- sudden temperature changes, like a cold drink after a hot meal
- excitement, laughing hard or stress
The nerves that control the diaphragm pass close to the stomach and esophagus, which is why so many triggers involve eating and drinking. Slowing down at the table, as described in our guide on eating more mindfully, helps people who get hiccups after meals.
Remedies people use
Scientific evidence for hiccup cures is thin, but these are harmless for most people and often seem to work, probably by resetting the breathing rhythm or stimulating the nerves involved:
- hold your breath for 10 to 20 seconds, then breathe out slowly; repeat a few times
- sip a glass of ice-cold water slowly, or gargle with it
- swallow a teaspoon of granulated sugar
- breathe slowly into a paper bag for a short time (never a plastic bag)
- sit down and pull your knees up to your chest, or lean forward to compress the chest gently
- bite into a lemon wedge
Being startled sometimes works too, but it is not a reliable method and is no fun for the person being scared.
Hiccups in babies
Newborns and infants hiccup often, especially after feeding, and it rarely bothers them. Burping the baby during feeds and keeping them upright afterward can reduce bouts. Do not use adult remedies like sugar or startling on babies. Talk to a pediatrician if hiccups come with spitting up a lot, coughing, irritability during feeds or poor weight gain, which can point to reflux.
When to see a doctor
Hiccups that last more than 48 hours are called persistent; those lasting more than a month are intractable. They are uncommon but can be linked to reflux, irritation of the nerves to the diaphragm, some medications, kidney problems or, rarely, conditions affecting the brain. See a doctor if hiccups:
- last more than two days
- interfere with eating, sleeping or breathing
- come with chest pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, weakness or trouble speaking
Seek emergency care right away if hiccups appear along with sudden numbness, confusion, slurred speech or a drooping face, signs of a possible stroke.
Can you prevent them?
Eat more slowly, choose smaller portions, limit fizzy drinks and alcohol, and avoid gulping very cold drinks right after hot food. For most people, occasional hiccups are just a minor annoyance that fades by itself.
