A hiccup is an involuntary muscular contraction that temporarily increases the volume of the chest. It is often caused by gas trapped in the stomach or intestines.

Causes:

• Swallowing air (aerophagia)
• Eating certain foods or drinks (e.g., carbonated beverages, spicy foods)
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux disease, certain medications)
• Emotional stress
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption

Symptoms:

• A sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
• A loud, sharp, or high-pitched sound
• Usually accompanied by a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the chest

Treatment:

• Holding your breath or doing a breath-holding exercise
• Coughing or sneezing
• Chewing gum or candy
• Walking or exercising
• Lying down on your left side
• Drinking water
• Using over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, probiotics)

Prevention:

• Avoiding certain foods and drinks
• Eating slowly and mindfully
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Reducing stress
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding triggers that cause hiccups

Additional notes:

• Hiccups are usually not a cause for concern, but they can be bothersome for some people.
• If hiccups occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as indigestion or abdominal pain, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
• Hiccups are often associated with pregnancy, eating certain foods, or drinking alcohol.
• Hiccups can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetes.