Causes of hiccups
Hiccups occur when your diaphragm (the thin layer of muscle that separates your chest cavity from your abdomen) suddenly and involuntarily contracts (tightens).As your diaphragm contracts, it causes you to breathe air in very quickly. The incoming air is stopped when your glottis (the opening between your vocal cords) closes suddenly, producing the characteristic sound of a hiccup.
Causes of short-term hiccups
Most cases of hiccups occur for no apparent reason. Everyone experiences a short bout of hiccups from time to time. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.In some cases however, short-term hiccups may appear to have a specific trigger, such as:
- drinking alcohol.
- smoking.
- having a bloated stomach.
- eating too quickly or eating spicy foods.
- drinking hot or fizzy drinks.
- swallowing air – for example, while chewing gum.
- a sudden change in room temperature
- a sudden change in the temperature inside your stomach – for example, eating something hot followed by a cold drink
- emotions, such as stress, fear or excitement
Causes of long-lasting hiccups
In rare cases, hiccups that last 48 hours or longer can be caused by an underlying condition or a medication you are taking, although in many cases a cause is not identified
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