What Triggers Hiccups and How to Stop Them

We’ve all had them those sudden, unexpected “hic” sounds that interrupt conversations or meals. Hiccups may be harmless most of the time, but they can be irritating and in some cases, even persistent enough to affect your daily life.

Here’s what causes hiccups, how to get rid of them, and when they may signal something more serious.

What Exactly Are Hiccups?

Hiccups happen when your diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe, contracts involuntarily. This sudden movement causes your vocal cords to snap shut, producing the characteristic “hic” sound.

While the exact purpose of hiccups isn’t fully understood, they are usually a reaction to irritation or stimulation of the diaphragm or the nerves that control it (the vagus and phrenic nerves).

Common Causes of Hiccups

• Eating too quickly or too much: Overeating or swallowing air can overstretch the stomach and irritate the diaphragm.

• Spicy or very hot/cold foods: Sudden temperature or chemical changes in your digestive tract (like from capsaicin in chili peppers) may trigger hiccups.

• Carbonated beverages and alcohol: These can introduce excess air or cause bloating.

• Strong emotions: Stress, excitement, or anxiety may overstimulate the vagus nerve.

• Sudden changes in temperature: Drinking hot tea right after ice cream can trigger hiccups.

• Smoking or chewing gum: These habits increase the chance of swallowing air.

• Medical conditions: Acid reflux, abdominal surgery, nervous system disorders, or metabolic imbalances may be linked to chronic hiccups.

Medications That May Cause Hiccups

Some prescription medications are known to trigger hiccups, including:

• Diazepam (Valium)

• Methyldopa (used for blood pressure)

• Corticosteroids, like dexamethasone

• Barbiturates and anesthetics

• Certain chemotherapy drugs

Never stop a prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Why Babies Get Hiccups

Hiccups are common in newborns and infants, especially after feeding. Swallowing air while bottle- or breastfeeding, eating too fast, or simply immature reflexes can irritate the diaphragm and lead to hiccups. Preterm babies may be especially prone.

How Long Do Hiccups Last?

• Acute hiccups: Usually go away on their own within a few minutes to a couple of hours.

• Chronic hiccups: Last longer than 48 hours and may be a sign of an underlying health issue.

If hiccups persist beyond two days, seek medical advice.

How to Get Rid of Hiccups Quickly

While no method works for everyone, these home remedies may help by stimulating the vagus nerve, which helps calm diaphragm spasms:

• Hold your breath for 10–20 seconds, then exhale slowly

• Breathe into a paper bag for 30 seconds (don’t use a plastic bag)

• Swallow a spoonful of sugar or honey

• Suck on a lemon wedge or something sour

• Gently pull on your tongue

• Drink cold water slowly or sip it while plugging your nose

• Try the Valsalva maneuver: Inhale, close your mouth and nose, then bear down (like you’re having a bowel movement) for 10 seconds

• Hug your knees into your chest for 30–60 seconds

• Massage your eyelids gently with your eyes closed

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Hiccups

You may not be able to avoid hiccups completely, but certain habits can reduce your risk:

• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly

• Avoid overeating or drinking too fast

• Skip very hot or cold food combinations

• Limit carbonated drinks and alcohol

• Stay upright for 1–2 hours after large meals

• Avoid habits that cause you to swallow air, like chewing gum or smoking

When to See a Doctor

Most hiccups resolve on their own. But chronic hiccups lasting more than 48 hours may be a sign of something more serious.

Talk to a healthcare provider if your hiccups:

• Last longer than two days

• Interfere with eating, sleeping, or speaking

• Return frequently for no clear reason

• Occur alongside other concerning symptoms

Treatment may include medication such as baclofen, chlorpromazine, or metoclopramide, and in rare cases, procedures to block nerve signals causing the hiccups.

The Bottom Line

Hiccups are usually short-term and harmless, triggered by things like eating too fast, stress, or certain medications. While they tend to go away on their own, you can often shorten an episode with simple remedies like holding your breath, drinking water, or stimulating the vagus nerve.

If hiccups persist longer than 48 hours or interfere with daily life, it’s time to speak with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.

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