Why do hiccups start

Other causes of hiccups may include acid reflux and drinking carbonated beverages. The good news is that hiccups are usually short lived. If you have persistent hiccups that last for several days or more, see a doctor. This may indicate the presence of a medical issue that needs attention. Sometimes, certain diseases or even a medical procedure , especially those involving anesthesia, can cause prolonged bouts of hiccups.

However, some anecdotal evidence suggests that an increase in carbon dioxide may help. Holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag increases carbon dioxide levels in the lungs and may relax the diaphragm, stopping the spasms and, thus, the hiccups. Learn more about vaccine availability.

When this happens, it pulls down in a jerky way, which makes you suck air into your throat suddenly. When the air rushing in hits your voice box, your vocal cords close suddenly and you're left with a big hiccup. Some things that irritate the diaphragm are eating too quickly or too much, an irritation in the stomach or the throat, or feeling nervous or excited.

Almost all cases of the hiccups last only a few minutes. Although many people find these things helpful, there's no evidence that they work for everyone. There's often no obvious reason why you get hiccups, but some people find certain things trigger their hiccups, such as:. In rare cases, hiccups that last longer than 48 hours can be due to a medical condition or a medicine you're taking.

Persistent hiccups, also known as chronic hiccups , are defined as episodes that last longer than 48 hours. At its most basic, a hiccup is a reflex. It happens when a sudden contraction of your diaphragm causes the muscles of your chest and abdomen to shake. Then, the glottis, or the part of your throat where your vocal cords are located, closes.

If you find yourself getting hiccups often, eating smaller meals and minimizing carbonated beverages and gassy foods might be helpful. If they continue, talk with your healthcare provider. Make sure to mention when your hiccups seem to occur and how long they last. Alternative or complementary treatments such as relaxation training, hypnosis, or acupuncture might be options to explore.

Diaphragm spasms can occur for many reasons. They can be short-lived and may occur alongside other symptoms, depending on the cause. Chronic hiccups are more serious than standard hiccups and usually require a doctor's attention.