The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What are hiccups? " � Hiccups happen when your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your belly, suddenly contracts. When that happens, you take in air, and then your voice box closes shut, which is what causes the "hic " � sound. � �
Most bouts of hiccups last less than 48 hours. Rarely, they can last longer. Hiccups that last longer than a month are called "intractable hiccups. " � � �
In most cases, hiccups go away on their own with no lasting effects. But in some people, they can last a long time and lead to problems such as poor nutrition, tiredness, and reduced appetite. � �
What causes hiccups? " � The most common causes include: � �
- Having an overly full stomach
- Drinking soda or other fizzy drinks
- Swallowing air (for example when you are chewing gum)
In rare situations, hiccups can have more serious causes, such as infections or irritation of a nerve in the neck or diaphragm. Intractable hiccups are unusual but could indicate another medical problem, such as acid reflux or cancer. � �
Is there anything I can do on my own to get rid of the hiccups? " � Yes, there are a few things you can try: � �
- Hold your breath for several seconds or longer
- Breathe out against your closed mouth and nose (the way you might do on an airplane to pop your ears)
- Stimulate the back of your throat, for example by sipping cold water, gargling with water, or swallowing a teaspoon of sugar
- Pull your knees up to your chest and lean forward
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � See your doctor or nurse if you have hiccups that last longer than 48 hours. He or she will do an exam and ask about your symptoms. Most cases of hiccups are harmless. But the doctor or nurse might want to do a few tests, depending on your symptoms, medical history, and what the exam shows. � �
How are hiccups treated? " � If the self-help steps listed above do not help enough, there are a number of prescription medicines that can help. Acupuncture can also help some people. Surgery might be needed to treat some people with extreme symptoms who do not get better with other treatments, but this is rare. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 16542 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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