Hiccups can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Eating and drinking habits:
  • Eating too quickly or too much
  • Drinking carbonated beverages or alcohol
  • Consuming spicy or hot foods
• Lifestyle factors:
  • Sudden temperature changes
  • Excitement or emotional stress
  • Swallowing air while chewing gum or sucking on candy
• Medical conditions:
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Irritation of the diaphragm
  • Conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis
  • Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or electrolyte imbalances
• Medications:
  • Certain drugs used to treat anxiety, pain, or Parkinson’s disease

Most hiccups resolve on their own, but you can try various methods to stop them. Some common remedies include:

• Holding your breath:
  • Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can, then slowly exhale.
• Drinking water:
  • Sip cold water slowly or drink a glass of water quickly without stopping to breathe.
• Swallowing sugar:
  • Swallow a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
• Breathing into a paper bag:
  • Breathe slowly and deeply into a small paper bag, ensuring the bag is placed around your mouth and nose.
• Pulling on your tongue:
  • Gently pull on your tongue to stimulate the vagus nerve.

While most hiccups are short-lived, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience:

• Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours
• Severe discomfort or interference with eating, sleeping, or breathing
• Signs of an underlying health condition, such as heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing

For more information about managing hiccups and their underlying causes, contact Digestive System Healthcare to schedule a consultation with our specialists.