The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

What causes hiccups and how can you get rid of them?

  • Written by Vincent Ho, Associate Professor and clinical academic gastroenterologist, Western Sydney University
What causes hiccups and how can you get rid of them?

We all get hiccups from time to time, and sometimes they just won’t seem to go away.

Hiccups are involuntary contractions[1] of the diaphragm – the muscle separating your chest from your abdomen, which plays a key role in breathing – followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords.

The medical term[2] for hiccups is singultus. This derives from the Latin word singult which means “to catch ones breath while sobbing”.

For most of us, hiccups are annoying and don’t last that long. But for some people, they can be persistent, lasting more than two days.

The good news is, there are simple ways to alleviate regular hiccups – and treatments for when they persist.

What causes hiccups?

Hiccups are caused by a reflex arc[3]: a neuromotor pathway that translates a sensation into a physical response. The sensations in this arc come from the brain, ear, nose and throat, diaphragm and organs in the chest and abdomen.

The sensation signals travel to a part of the brain which, along with the top of the spinal cord, is known as the “hiccup centre”.

From the hiccup centre, the signals travel back out to the diaphragm and the muscles that lay between your ribs (intercostal muscles), causing them to twitch.

The twitching of these muscles draws air into the lungs and this sudden inhalation makes the opening between the vocal cords, or glottis, close tightly shut. This rapid closure makes the “hic” sound.

Sonographer persons pregnancy ultrasound
Even fetuses get the hiccups. Shutterstock[4]

Anything that affects the arc can lead to hiccups. The most common[5] is stretching the stomach from eating a large meal or drinking soft drinks. This means sensation signals from the stomach can trigger off the reflex arc.

Consuming hot chilli pepper, alcohol, smoking, and over-excitement can also trigger[6] the reflex arc, leading to hiccups.

Hiccups have even been observed[7] in healthy fetuses during prenatal ultrasound checks. In fact, some researchers[8] believe hiccups are a mechanism to help prepare the lungs for breathing shortly after birth.

How long will they last? And what can you do about them?

An attack of hiccups that lasts less than 48 hours is generally unconcerning[9]. Such an attack usually ends by itself.

Where it doesn’t resolve by itself, there are ways[10] to suppress the reflex arc. The Valsava manoeuvre[11], consuming ice-cold drinks and gentle eyeball pressure are thought to increase the activity of a long nerve (vagus) to the brain.

The Conversation, CC BY-ND[12] Manoeuvres such as rebreathing into a paper or plastic bag work by increasing the carbon dioxide concentration[13] in the blood. This helps to suppress[14] the movements of the muscles associated with hiccups. However, rebreathing carries a small but serious risk of heart attack[15] so should only be performed under medical supervision. However there is very limited evidence[16] to show these manoeuvres and interventions work. When should we get worried about hiccups? If hiccups last longer than two days[17], they are called persistent hiccups. If they last beyond two months[18] they are known as intractable hiccups. Persistent and intractable hiccups, known collectively as chronic hiccups, can be quite distressing and may signify a serious underlying cause, so it’s important to see your doctor. People with chronic hiccups will undergo a comprehensive investigation. Their medical history will often give valuable clues to triggers. Certain medications such as anti-epileptic drugs, alcohol, smoking and recreational drug use are all associated[19] with hiccups. As organs in the chest and abdomen are involved in the reflex arc, investigations of these organs[20] such as lung imaging or upper endoscopy (where a tube with a tiny camera is inserted into the throat to view the upper digestive tract), may be required. One study[21] from France found 80% of patients with chronic hiccups had abnormalities in their oesophagus and stomach, with reflux disease being the most common finding. Read more: Explainer: what is gastric reflux?[22] Your clinician will also inspect your ear, nose and throat[23], as irritation of the ear by a foreign body or infection of the throat can be triggers for hiccups. Imaging of the brain[24] may be necessary, especially if there are concerning signs such as changes in speech and weakness of facial and limb muscles. Iced water on a table
Drinking ice cold water helps some people. Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash[25]

How are chronic hiccups treated?

After a thorough investigation, the underlying cause should be treated, where possible.

People suffering from hiccups often have problems with gastric reflux[26], so treatment may include a short course anti-reflux medication.

Other medications with a strong evidence base that are used to treat hiccups include the anti-nausea drug metoclopramide[27] and baclofen[28], which is used to treat muscle spasticity (excessive tightness or tone).

There is emerging evidence[29] that gabapentin, used to treat seizures, may also be effective for hiccups.

What treatments might we see in future?

Researchers[30] have recently developed a rigid drinking tube with an inlet valve that requires active suction effort to draw water from a cup into the mouth. This tube has been called forced inspiratory suction and swallow tool[31], or FISST.

FISST is thought to stop the hiccup reflex arc by stimulating the sensory nerves to cause contraction of the diaphragm and glottis.

In one study[32], of the 249 participants who trialled FISST, just over 90% reported results better than home remedies.

However, the FISST research so far hasn’t compared it to a control group who didn’t receive the treatment, so it’s unclear how much more effective it is than a placebo, or dummy version.

Read more: Curious Kids: why do we burp?[33]

References

  1. ^ involuntary contractions (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  2. ^ medical term (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  3. ^ reflex arc (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  4. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  5. ^ most common (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  6. ^ trigger (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  7. ^ observed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  8. ^ some researchers (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  9. ^ unconcerning (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  10. ^ ways (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  11. ^ Valsava manoeuvre (my.clevelandclinic.org)
  12. ^ CC BY-ND (creativecommons.org)
  13. ^ increasing the carbon dioxide concentration (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  14. ^ helps to suppress (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  15. ^ heart attack (www.sciencedirect.com)
  16. ^ very limited evidence (www.tandfonline.com)
  17. ^ longer than two days (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  18. ^ last beyond two months (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  19. ^ all associated (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  20. ^ investigations of these organs (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  21. ^ One study (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  22. ^ Explainer: what is gastric reflux? (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ ear, nose and throat (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  24. ^ Imaging of the brain (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  25. ^ Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash (unsplash.com)
  26. ^ gastric reflux (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  27. ^ metoclopramide (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  28. ^ baclofen (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  29. ^ emerging evidence (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  30. ^ Researchers (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  31. ^ forced inspiratory suction and swallow tool (hiccaway.com)
  32. ^ one study (jamanetwork.com)
  33. ^ Curious Kids: why do we burp? (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/what-causes-hiccups-and-how-can-you-get-rid-of-them-196557

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping