Hiccups

Overview

Hiccups are sudden, repeated, and often uncontrollable spasms of the diaphragm — the large muscle below your lungs that helps you breathe. Each spasm causes you to quickly inhale, and your vocal cords close suddenly, producing the familiar 'hic' sound. Most hiccups stop on their own within a few minutes.

Very common. Nearly everyone has hiccups at some point. Most people experience them a few times a year.

Hiccups can affect anyone at any age, including babies in the womb, children, and older adults. They are slightly more common in men than women, especially for long-lasting cases.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Repeated 'hic' sounds that occur in a rhythm, usually several times per minute.
• A slight tightening feeling in the chest, throat, or abdomen with each hiccup.
• Bouts that typically last a few minutes, but sometimes longer.

Symptoms in children

• Hiccups in children look the same as in adults.
• They often happen after a large meal, a fizzy drink, or during excitement.
• They usually go away on their own and do not cause distress.

Symptoms in older adults

• Hiccups may last longer in older adults.
• They may be linked to digestive problems, certain medicines, or nerve issues.
• Older adults should check with a doctor if hiccups are frequent or interfere with eating.

Causes

Main causes

• Eating too much or too quickly.
• Drinking carbonated or very hot or cold drinks.
• Sudden excitement, stress, or strong emotions.
• Swallowing air while chewing gum or sucking on hard sweets.
• A sudden temperature change (like a cold shower).

Risk factors

• Being male, for longer episodes.
• Having had recent surgery, especially of the abdomen.
• Certain medical conditions that affect the diaphragm or the nerves around it.
• Some medicines, as a rare side effect (speak to your pharmacist or doctor).

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If hiccups last more than 48 hours.
• If they are accompanied by vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or fever.
• If you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If hiccups often interfere with eating, sleeping, or work.
• If you have frequent bouts that make you feel exhausted or anxious.
• If you are worried about a possible underlying condition.

Diagnosis

A doctor will usually diagnose hiccups by asking about your symptoms and when they started. They may also do a simple physical exam to check your breathing, chest, and abdomen.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests, if the doctor suspects an underlying infection or metabolic problem.
• Imaging scans like X-ray or ultrasound, if a chest or diaphragm issue is possible.
• Endoscopy (a flexible camera test) if digestive problems are suspected.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, medicines, and any recent triggers. For persistent hiccups, they may refer you for further tests or to a specialist. You do not need any special preparation for a hiccup checkup.

Treatment

Most cases of hiccups do not need any treatment and stop on their own. For persistent or bothersome hiccups, treatment focuses on finding and addressing any underlying cause, and trying physical techniques to interrupt the spasm cycle.

Self-care at home

• Try holding your breath for a short count, then breathe out slowly.
• Drink a glass of still, cool water very slowly.
• Gently pull your knees up to your chest while lying down.
• Swallow a small spoonful of granulated sugar (avoid if you have diabetes or follow a sugar-free diet, and check with your doctor first).
• Breathe into a paper bag slowly — never a plastic bag, and stop if you feel dizzy.

Medical treatments

If hiccups last longer than 48 hours, your doctor may suggest medicines that can help calm the nerve or muscle activity involved. These are prescription treatments and should be taken exactly as directed. Your doctor will also treat any underlying health problem that is causing the hiccups.

When is surgery considered?

In very rare, severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, a minor procedure to block the phrenic nerve (the nerve that controls the diaphragm) may be considered. This is a last option and is done by a specialist.

Living with this condition

If you get hiccups often, pay attention to your triggers — like certain foods, drinks, or situations. Keeping a simple diary can help you spot patterns. When a bout starts, try a deep-breathing technique. If hiccups bother you at night, discuss this with your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat slowly and take smaller bites.
• Avoid very fizzy or highly carbonated drinks.
• Limit very spicy or very hot foods that may irritate your stomach.
• Try to manage stress with relaxation exercises or a hobby.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature when you eat or drink.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with regular meals can help prevent stomach overfill. Light exercise like walking after a meal may also reduce digestive triggers. Avoid intense exercise straight after eating, as this may cause discomfort.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Occasional hiccups are nothing to worry about, but long-lasting hiccups can cause embarrassment, frustration, or trouble sleeping. If you feel anxious or down because of frequent hiccups, talk to your doctor or a counsellor — you don’t have to cope on your own.

Prevention

You can’t always prevent hiccups, but you can reduce the chances by avoiding common triggers — like eating too quickly, drinking fizzy drinks, or sudden excitement.

Complications

If left untreated

• Prolonged hiccups can interfere with eating and cause weight loss.
• They may disrupt sleep, leading to tiredness and poor concentration.
• Persistent hiccups can cause exhaustion or discomfort during daily life.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Most hiccups are short-lived and disappear without treatment. For the less common cases that last longer, most people are helped by medical care, and the hiccups usually resolve once the cause is found.

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