Hiccups usually happen to everyone and are generally short-lived; however, they can be irritating. They are the result of sudden and repeated involuntary movements of the diaphragm. The spasms cause the vocal cords to close abruptly, producing a “hic” sound. This noise emerges from the mouth without any signal or warning. Sometimes these can be persistent, which are called chronic hiccups, and the episodes last more than 48 hours. These sounds are usually not serious.

What happens when one gets hiccups?

• The diaphragm is pulled down between breaths, which causes the individual to suck in the air.
• The space between the vocal cords, known as the glottis, gets closed to stop more air from coming in.
• The actions, as mentioned earlier, lead to a “hic” sound that occurs rapidly.
• Generally, the individual returns to normal within a short period, between minutes or a couple of hours, without any treatment.

Symptoms
The major symptoms of hiccups include:

• The “hic” sound
• Uncontrolled spasm in the diaphragm
• Light tightening sensation in the stomach, throat, or chest

It becomes necessary to visit a doctor if the hiccups last longer than 48 hours and create trouble while eating, breathing, and sleeping.

Common causes
The reason behind the hiccups is still unclear. However, various factors may trigger them. Some include lower levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and irritated nerves. The following are the common triggers of mild hiccups.

• Stress or excitement
• Chewing gum for a long time
• An overindulgent meal
• Drinking carbonated beverages
• Sudden temperature changes
• Drinking or eating too quickly
• Over-stretching of the neck
• Drinking extremely cold or hot beverages
• Chemotherapy
• Inhalation of toxic fumes

Recurrent or persistent hiccups usually result from an underlying condition, which may include the following:

• Central nervous system disorders
  These include tumors, stroke, head trauma, multiple sclerosis, and meningitis.
• Gastrointestinal disorders
  Some examples of these are gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, gallbladder issues, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Phrenic and vagus nerve irritation
  Goiter, eardrum irritation, laryngitis, and gastrointestinal reflux disease may trigger hiccups.
• Cardiovascular diseases
  Heart-related problems like heart attack and pericarditis may cause hiccups.
• Thoracic disorders
  These include asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis, and pulmonary embolism.

Other health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and electrolyte imbalance may also result in hiccups. Moreover, certain treatment options can also lead to the problem.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hiccups is not complex. The healthcare provider will analyze the “hic” sound; however, they will also conduct a certain physical examination to understand if any underlying condition is causing the sound. If anything concerning is found in the test, the physician will recommend further diagnostic procedures. These include imaging tests, lab tests, and endoscopy. They may also ask certain questions, such as for how long the person has been having hiccups, whether the individual has tried any home remedies, or how often they suffer from hiccups.

Home remedies to manage the condition
When a person gets hiccups, the primary concern may be how to prevent them. However, since the exact cause of the condition is not known, some available home remedies may or may not work. The home treatments are harmless, so there is no loss in trying them. Some of the home remedies include the following:

• Gargling water
• Drinking a lot of water
• Gently rubbing the eyeballs
• Gagging
• Holding the breath
• Softly pulling on the tongue
• Blowing up the balloon
• Taking deep and slow breaths
• Biting on a lemon
• Using the smelling salts

These home remedies must be performed carefully, and if hiccups still do not stop, it becomes essential to consult with a healthcare provider. Moreover, just like grown-ups, babies also get hiccups. They can be stopped by breastfeeding or providing the baby with some water. But if the problem continues for a long time, then it is crucial to consult a pediatrician.

Preventive tips
Mild hiccups, which may go away after a short period, can be prevented by following these tips:

• Avoid drinking carbonated beverages
• Do not drink and eat too quickly
• Avoid eating too much
• Try to manage stress levels
• Avoid over-stretching the neck
• Do not drink very cold or hot beverages
• Avoid inhaling toxic fumes

Hiccups generally are considered harmless. Mostly, they stop on their own or by following the above-mentioned home remedies. However, it is best to monitor their duration as sometimes they may be due to a serious underlying condition. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before trying home remedies or in case they do not stop on their own.