Hiccups attack: What causes them and how to end them fast

Why physiological spasms occur

In most cases, short-term (physiological) hiccups occur due to simple irritation of the vagus or phrenic nerve, which are part of the reflex arc that controls processes outside our conscious control.

Doctors identify several everyday factors that cause the diaphragm to contract spasmodically.

Common causes of hiccups

• Rushing while eating: eating too quickly or simply overeating, which stretches the stomach.
• Temperature shock: consuming very hot or, conversely, ice-cold food and drinks.
• Gastronomic irritants: a preference for overly spicy food.
• Carbonated drinks: consuming sparkling water and sugary fizzy beverages.
• Excess air (aerophagia): swallowing too much air, for example, while chewing gum.
• Toxic effects: smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

When chronic illnesses are the cause

If an episode lasts from 48 hours to one month (persistent hiccups) or continues for more than 30 days (chronic form), it is no longer just a minor inconvenience.

Such a condition can be exhausting, interfering with sleep, eating, and speaking, and may lead to weight loss. Prolonged spasms can be linked to serious medical conditions, ranging from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis to pneumonia or pleuritis.

Sometimes chronic hiccups indicate damage to the central nervous system due to stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease, and may also signal tumors of the esophagus, pancreas, or mediastinum.

Spasms can also be triggered as a side effect of certain medications (such as antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs) or occur after surgery under general anesthesia.

Children and diagnostic guidelines

In infants and newborns, hiccups are a completely natural and common phenomenon. Babies most often hiccup due to swallowing air during feeding or overeating — the stomach expands and presses on the diaphragm.

However, if infant hiccups are accompanied by persistent coughing and frequent regurgitation, this may indicate infant reflux and requires consultation with a pediatrician.

For adults, hiccups lasting more than two days require medical attention. To determine the cause, doctors may use blood tests, chest X-rays, ECG, gastroscopy, and, if necessary, CT scans of the abdomen or MRI of the brain.

8 ways to quickly stop hiccups at home

There are no universal medications for spontaneous hiccups, but there are several time-tested techniques that help “reset” the vagus nerve or increase carbon dioxide levels in the lungs, allowing the muscles to relax.

• Hold your breath for as long as you comfortably can.
• Take several slow sips of cold water.
• Gently press your closed eyelids with your fingers.
• Stick your tongue out as far as possible for a few seconds.
• Bite and thoroughly chew a slice of fresh lemon.
• Breathe in and out of a paper (never plastic) bag a few times.
• Place a teaspoon of sugar on your tongue and slowly swallow it.
• Gargle or drink a sip of ice-cold water with ice.

If hiccups become chronic, a doctor may prescribe medication (such as acid-reducing drugs or muscle relaxants), and in severe cases, even nerve blocks are used.

To prevent hiccups, eat slowly, in small portions, and avoid extremely hot foods.

Important: If sudden hiccups are accompanied by weakness in the limbs, speech impairment, or sharp chest pain (possible signs of stroke or thromboembolism), call emergency services immediately.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.