Are frequent hiccups a sign of something serious? Know its causes, complications, treatment, and more.

Hiccups are a natural experience that nearly everyone encounters. They are caused by uncontrollable spasms of the diaphragm muscle, producing the unique "hic" sound. Overall, hiccups tend to resolve themselves in a few minutes, and in rare cases, they may signal an issue. Hiccups happen when a person’s intake of air becomes momentarily blocked. Possible causes include gas in the stomach, eating spicy food, and underlying medical conditions such as gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions.

Hiccups are typically harmless, with few exceptions. Hiccups are a normal and healthy part of the human experience, with most people developing a method for coping with the sudden and short-lived phenomenon.


What causes hiccups Hiccups happen when your diaphragm — the muscle that helps you breathe — contracts involuntarily, causing a sudden closure of your vocal cords and producing the characteristic "hic" sound.

Common triggers include:

• Eating or drinking too quickly
• Drinking sodas, hot liquids, or alcoholic drinks
• Having gas in the stomach
• Experiencing emotional stress, excitement, or strong emotions
• Overeating or swallowing air
• Certain medications (such as anesthesia or steroids)

What are potential complications of frequent hiccups Prolonged hiccups can lead to several complications and significantly impact daily life and overall health, if hiccups persist

Some of the complications are:

• Weight loss and dehydration due to difficulty eating
• Communication problems due to difficulty speaking
• Delayed wound healing, potentially leading to infections or bleeding after surgery
• Other possible complications: irregular heartbeat and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Sleep disturbances leading to fatigue and reduced cognitive function
• Difficulty eating or drinking, resulting in weight loss or dehydration
• Psychological distress, anxiety, or depression
• Social embarrassment and isolation

Tips to get rid of frequent hiccups

• Sip slowly or gargle cold water
• Hold your breath and breathe out slowly
• Apply gentle pressure: on the nose while swallowing, on the diaphragm, or on the tongue
• Try sweet or sour: swallow granulated sugar, bite on a lemon, or taste a tiny amount of vinegar
• Breathe into a paper bag (never plastic or covering your head)
• Change your position: hug your knees to your chest, lean forward to compress your chest
• Alternative remedies: acupuncture, hypnosis
• Gently touch your throat or rub your eyes

When are frequent hiccups a cause of concern Most hiccups go away on their own, after a while, but persistent hiccups lasting more than 48 hours are called Chronic hiccups. Hiccups may be a sign of an underlying health problem that needs medical attention.

Some serious conditions associated with hiccups include:

• Brain and nerve problems: strokes, neurological damage (e.g., Wallenberg syndrome)
• Heart or lung conditions: heart attacks, pneumonia
• Cancer: tumors or side effects of cancer treatment
• Digestive system issues: pancreatitis, esophageal irritation or infection, dilated esophagus

When to consult a doctor?If your hiccups last longer than 48 hours, disrupt your sleep, cause difficulty eating or breathing, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, fever, vomiting, or neurological signs (weakness, numbness), it’s important to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Doctors may suggest some diagnostic tests:

• Chest X-rays or abdominal imaging to identify underlying conditions
• Blood tests to check for infections, metabolic disorders, or electrolyte imbalances
• Neurological evaluations, if nerve-related causes are suspected

What you shouldn’t do to relieve hiccupsWhen trying to relieve hiccups, it's best to avoid scaring someone as a remedy. While it might work temporarily by inducing a vagal nerve response, it poses risks, such as:

- Loss of balance and falls
- Negative impact on underlying heart conditions

Treatment of chronic hiccupsAccording to Keck Medicine of USC, treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Medications: Various drugs such as baclofen (muscle relaxant), chlorpromazine (antipsychotic), gabapentin (nerve pain medication), or metoclopramide (for acid reflux) can help reduce hiccups.
• Nerve stimulation therapies: Techniques like phrenic nerve block or vagus nerve stimulation may be used in refractory cases to interrupt the hiccup reflex.
• Lifestyle and dietary modifications: Avoiding triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, eating smaller meals, and managing stress can reduce episodes.
• Alternative therapies: Some patients find relief from acupuncture, hypnosis, or breathing exercises, although scientific evidence varies.