What is the reason for hiccups?

Hiccups are involuntary, sudden contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. These contractions cause the vocal cords to snap shut, producing the characteristic “hic” sound. It is not dangerous and usually goes away on its own in a few minutes. However, hiccups that last for more than a few days may require medical attention.

Hiccups can be caused by many factors such as:

- Irritated vagus nerve

- Gastric distension

- Emotional factors like anxiety, excitement or stress

- Drinking carbonated beverages quickly

- Eating too much or too fast

- Sudden temperature changes

- Certain medical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), thyroid problems, and diabetes