What are Hiccups?
Hiccups are a sudden, involuntary contraction (spasm) of the diaphragm muscle. When this muscle contracts, the vocal cords close, producing the typical "hic" sound. Hiccups are a common problem, and most people experience them at some point in their lives. However, when they become frequent and persistent, they can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
What Causes Hiccups?
There are many possible causes of hiccups, including:
- Eating too quickly or too much
- Drinking carbonated beverages
- Swallowing air
- Stress or anxiety
- Excitement
- Temperature changes
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Some medications
- Underlying medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pneumonia, or brain damage
How to Get Rid of Hiccups?
Most hiccups go away on their own after a few minutes. However, there are some simple techniques that can help you get rid of hiccups:
- Hold your breath for a few seconds
- Breathe into a paper bag
- Sip ice-cold water
- Swallow a teaspoon of sugar
- Have someone startle you
- Massage the roof of your mouth with your tongue
- Pull your knees up to your chest and lean forward
When to See a Doctor?
If your hiccups last longer than 48 hours, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or fever, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may perform some tests to determine the underlying cause of your hiccups and recommend appropriate treatment.
Preventing Hiccups?
While hiccups cannot always be prevented, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting them:
- Eat slowly and in small bites
- Avoid carbonated beverages
- Avoid drinking through a straw
- Avoid eating spicy or fatty foods
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Avoid stress and anxiety
- Quit smoking
The Bottom Line
Hiccups are a common problem that usually go away on their own. However, if they become frequent and persistent, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor. In the meantime, there are some simple techniques that can help you get rid of hiccups, and some things you can do to prevent them from occurring in the first place.