Hiccups: Causes, Types, and How to Stop Them

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026

Quick Answer

Hiccups, medically called singultus, happen when the diaphragm pulls down suddenly, you suck in air and the glottis snaps shut, making the hic sound. Common triggers include eating too fast, carbonated drinks, alcohol and spicy foods. See a doctor if hiccups last longer than 48 hours, as persistent hiccups can cause exhaustion, weight loss and breathing trouble. [1]

What the research says

• Treating the underlying cause works best, and drug evidence is thin. A systematic review of 15 studies covering 341 patients with persistent or intractable hiccups found that management was most effective when directed at the underlying condition. It found no adequately powered, well-designed treatment trials; baclofen and metoclopramide were supported by small randomized placebo-controlled trials, and baclofen and gabapentin may be considered first-line. (Steger et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2015)

• A Cochrane review found too little evidence to guide treatment. Only four studies (305 participants) met its criteria, all testing acupuncture and all at high risk of bias. No drug studies qualified, and the authors concluded the evidence is insufficient to guide treatment of persistent or intractable hiccups. (Moretto et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2013)

• Many drugs are used, but only one is FDA-approved. A review of 26 articles covering 10 drugs noted that chlorpromazine is the only FDA-approved hiccup treatment, that only baclofen and metoclopramide had been tested in randomized trials, and that no specific recommendations could be made, so treatment is chosen for each patient. (Polito & Fellows, J Emerg Med, 2017)

What Are Hiccups?

Hiccups are repeated, involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, the thin, dome-shaped muscle that separates your chest from your belly. Two things happen at once: your diaphragm pulls down suddenly between breaths, making you quickly suck in air, and your glottis (the space between your vocal cords) snaps shut to stop more air coming in. That sudden closure produces the characteristic "hic" sound. [1]

Sometimes hiccups also bring a slight tightening sensation in the chest, stomach area or throat. [6]

Hiccups usually go away on their own, but how long they last varies widely. Healthcare providers classify them by duration: [1]

• Transient hiccups: Last a few seconds or minutes.

• Persistent hiccups: Last longer than 48 hours, for up to one month.

• Intractable hiccups: Last longer than one month.

• Recurrent hiccups: Keep coming back, with each episode lasting longer than a few minutes.

Common Causes and Triggers

Hiccups happen when something irritates the nerves that control the diaphragm, including the vagus and phrenic nerves, which form a reflex arc. The cause depends on whether the hiccups are short-lived or long-lasting. [1][2]

Transient hiccup triggers

There is often no clear cause for a random hiccup or two, but common triggers include: [1]

• Eating habits: Eating too much or too fast.

• Dietary irritants: Spicy foods, or foods and drinks that are very hot or very cold.

• Beverages: Carbonated drinks and alcohol.

• Air intake: Swallowing excess air (aerophagia), for example while eating quickly or chewing gum.

• Smoking: Both tobacco and cannabis.

Excitement, emotional stress and sudden temperature changes can also set off a short bout of hiccups. [6]

Causes of persistent and intractable hiccups

When hiccups last for days or weeks, a medical condition is often involved. These can include gastrointestinal conditions such as GERD or gastritis; central nervous system conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis; lung conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary embolism; tumors; metabolic problems such as uremia; and infections such as shingles. Some medications, including certain chemotherapy drugs, dexamethasone and azithromycin, can also cause persistent hiccups, and they may follow some surgeries or procedures that need general anesthesia. [1]

Long-term hiccups can also follow damage to or irritation of the vagus or phrenic nerves, for example from a hair or other object in the ear touching the eardrum, a tumor, cyst or growth on the thyroid gland, or a sore throat or laryngitis. Other causes include encephalitis, meningitis, serious brain injury, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance and kidney disease. [6]

Males are much more likely than females to develop long-term hiccups. Anxiety, stress and excitement have been linked with some cases, and some people develop hiccups after general anesthesia or procedures involving organs in the stomach area. [6]

Ongoing hiccups may interfere with eating, drinking, sleeping and speaking, and they can worsen pain. [6]

Hiccups in Babies

Hiccups are common and normal in newborns. Healthcare providers believe they are often caused by increased gas in the stomach: when a baby eats a lot or swallows air during feeding, the stomach expands and irritates the diaphragm. In some babies, frequent hiccups can be a sign of infant reflux (GERD), especially when they come with coughing or spitting up. Call your pediatrician if you notice these symptoms. [1]

How to Stop Hiccups: Remedies and Treatments

Experts have not found a proven cure for ordinary hiccups, and short episodes usually stop on their own. Anecdotal evidence suggests some home remedies may help by stimulating the vagus nerve or raising carbon dioxide levels in the lungs. [1]

Home remedies for transient hiccups

• Breathing techniques: Briefly hold your breath, or breathe into a paper bag (not a plastic one).

• Cold water: Sip cold water, or drink or gargle ice water.

• Tongue pull: Gently pull on your tongue.

• Sensory distractions: Bite into a lemon or swallow a spoonful of sugar.

Medical treatments for persistent hiccups

If hiccups last longer than 48 hours, a healthcare provider will look for the cause and may prescribe medication. Options include chlorpromazine, a proton pump inhibitor, metoclopramide, baclofen or gabapentin, chosen according to the cause. If another medicine is causing the hiccups, your provider may switch it. Nerve blocks or hypnosis may also be suggested, while data supporting acupuncture are limited. [1] High-quality trials are lacking, so treatment is individualized. [3][4]

To look for the cause, a healthcare provider may do a neurological exam that checks balance and coordination, muscle strength and tone, reflexes, and sight and sense of touch. Blood tests can look for signs of diabetes, infection or kidney disease, imaging tests such as a chest X-ray, CT or MRI can detect problems affecting the diaphragm or the phrenic or vagus nerves, and an endoscopic test can check for issues in the esophagus or windpipe. [7]

If less invasive treatments do not work, options include an injection of an anesthetic to block the phrenic nerve, or vagus nerve stimulation, in which a surgically implanted, battery-operated device delivers mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve. [7]

For ongoing hiccups, avoiding carbonated beverages and gas-producing foods and eating smaller meals may help. Hypnosis and acupuncture are also described as alternative treatments that may help when long-term hiccups do not respond to other remedies. [7]

When to Seek Emergency Care

Hiccups are usually harmless, but call 911 or your local emergency number if they occur together with symptoms of a stroke (such as facial drooping or sudden weakness) or a pulmonary embolism (such as sudden shortness of breath and chest pain). [1]

Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if hiccups last more than 48 hours or are severe enough to cause problems with eating, sleeping or breathing. [6]

Conclusion

Hiccups are a universal experience that usually passes within minutes. Knowing the difference between a simple reflex and a persistent symptom is important for your health. Slowing down when you eat and limiting fizzy drinks and alcohol can help prevent short episodes. If your hiccups last longer than two days, talk to a healthcare provider to look for an underlying cause. [1]

Struggling with persistent digestive issues? Visit Rinnit.com for expert health guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the medical term for hiccups?

The formal medical name for hiccups is singultus. They are also called hiccough. [1]

Why do I get hiccups after drinking soda?

Carbonated drinks are a known trigger. The gas can expand the stomach, which may irritate the diaphragm and set off the hiccup reflex. [1]

Can hiccups last for months?

Yes. Hiccups lasting longer than a month are called intractable. They are rare, can last months or longer, and usually need medical evaluation and treatment. [1]

Do hiccups help the body in any way?

The purpose of hiccups is not known. They are a reflex that happens when the nerves controlling the diaphragm are irritated, and in most people they are harmless. [2]

Can stress cause hiccups?

Emotional stress or sudden excitement can sometimes trigger the nerves that control the diaphragm.

Is it dangerous to hold your breath to stop hiccups?

Briefly holding your breath is generally safe for healthy people, but never do it to the point of discomfort or fainting.

Why do I get hiccups when I drink alcohol?

Alcohol is a known hiccup trigger, possibly because it irritates the digestive system and the nerves linked to the diaphragm. [1]

Can hiccups be a sign of a heart attack?

Hiccups are not a typical heart attack symptom, but persistent hiccups have occasionally been linked to heart problems such as reduced blood flow to the heart. They are more often linked to strokes, lung problems or digestive conditions. If hiccups come with chest pain, shortness of breath or stroke symptoms, call emergency services. [1][2]

How do I stop my baby's hiccups?

Hiccups are common and normal in babies. Changing your baby's position, burping them or offering a pacifier can sometimes help relax the diaphragm. If hiccups come with coughing or spitting up, talk to your pediatrician. [1]

Are hiccups hereditary?

There is no evidence that common hiccups are genetic, though some underlying conditions that can cause persistent hiccups might be.

Can surgery cause hiccups?

Yes. Persistent hiccups can happen after certain surgeries or procedures, including those that require general anesthesia. [1]

Does scaring someone actually work?

The idea is that a sudden shock might stimulate the vagus nerve and "reset" the reflex, but it is not a reliable or recommended medical treatment.

What is aerophagia?

Aerophagia is the medical term for swallowing too much air, which is a possible trigger for hiccups and bloating. [1]

Can hiccups cause weight loss?

Persistent hiccups can make eating, drinking and sleeping difficult, which can lead to exhaustion and weight loss. [1]

What is a phrenic nerve block?

A phrenic nerve block is a procedure in which an anesthetic is injected near the phrenic nerve to interrupt the signals that make the diaphragm spasm. Nerve blocks may be considered when hiccups are persistent. [1][2]

Related Reading

Phrenic Nerve: Function, Anatomy, Breathing and Hiccups explains the nerve that controls the diaphragm and its role in hiccups.

The Diaphragm: Understanding Your Body’s Primary Breathing Muscle describes the breathing muscle whose sudden spasms cause hiccups.

GERD (Acid Reflux Disease): Symptoms, the 8 Lifestyle Triggers, and How to Get Relief covers acid reflux, a common trigger of long-lasting hiccups.

Vagus Nerve: The Longest Cranial Nerve and Its Essential Functions explains the vagus nerve, which helps carry the hiccup reflex.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Hiccups. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated April 17, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17672-hiccups

2. Chang FY, et al. Hiccup: mystery, nature and treatment. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2012;18(2):123-130. PMID 22523721. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm.2012.18.2.123

3. Steger M, et al. Systemic review: the pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment of hiccups. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;42(9):1037-1050. PMID 26307025. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13374

4. Moretto EN, et al. Interventions for treating persistent and intractable hiccups in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;2013(1):CD008768. PMID 23440833. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008768.pub2

5. Polito NB, et al. Pharmacologic Interventions for Intractable and Persistent Hiccups: A Systematic Review. J Emerg Med. 2017;53(4):540-549. PMID 29079070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.05.033

6. Mayo Clinic Staff. Hiccups - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. March 2, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/symptoms-causes/syc-20352613

7. Mayo Clinic Staff. Hiccups - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. March 2, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352618

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you have read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.