Hiccups affect almost everyone at some point in their lives. A hiccup occurs when there is an involuntary contraction of the muscles involved in breathing, causing a sudden intake of breath, producing the “hic” sound when the voice box closes.

Hiccups that last less than 48 hours are generally not caused by serious disease. The most common causes include having an overly full stomach, drinking soda or other fizzy drinks or swallowing air (for example, when you are chewing gum).

Tips to get rid of hiccups:

• Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds, if possible.
• Breathe out against your closed mouth and nose. When you do this, tighten your stomach muscles so it feels like you are bearing down. Hold this for 5 seconds.
  • Note: Do not do this if you have any recent abdominal surgeries.
• Sip or gargle with very cold water, bite into a lemon, or swallow a small amount of granulated sugar. These things stimulate the back of your throat, which can help get rid of hiccups.
• While sitting, pull your knees up to your chest and lean forward. Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute, if possible.

Please see a doctor if you have hiccups lasting longer than 48 hours.

References:

1. Hosoya, R., Uesawa, Y., Ishii-Nozawa, R., & Kagaya, H. (2017). Analysis of factors associated with hiccups based on the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database. PLoS One, 12(2), e0172057.
   • PMID: 28196104
2. Petroianu, G. A. (2015). Treatment of hiccup by vagal maneuvers. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences, 24(2), 123-136.
   • PMID: 25055206