Hiccups appear and disappear suddenly, often lasting only a few minutes, but they are enough to ruin an important conversation or meeting. What are their causes, and what are the simplest ways to get rid of them?

Hiccups (or singultus) arise from an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, the large muscle responsible for breathing. This contraction causes a sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing its characteristic sound.

Most common daily triggers

Eating too quickly or overeating.

Carbonated drinks and alcohol.

Sudden change in food or drink temperature.

Strong emotions such as stress and excitement.

Swallowing air while eating, smoking, or chewing gum.

Common home remedies to stop them

Holding your breath: Take a deep breath and hold it as long as you comfortably can, then exhale slowly. It is thought that increasing carbon dioxide in the blood may stop the diaphragm spasm, although its effectiveness is not guaranteed.

Slowly drinking cold water: Small sips of cold water may redirect the nerve impulses associated with hiccups and stimulate nerve endings in the throat. Some prefer continuous drinking, while others find successive small sips more beneficial.

A spoonful of sugar: Take a teaspoon of granulated sugar and swallow it slowly without water. It is thought that the sweet taste stimulates the oral nerves, altering the pathway of the nerve signals causing hiccups, although this method remains a folk remedy lacking strong research evidence.

Bringing knees to chest: This technique helps change the position of the diaphragm; sit and pull your bent legs to your chest, wrap your arms around them, and stay in this position for about a minute while maintaining normal breathing. Alternatively, you can lean forward slightly while sitting.

Eating something very sour: A piece of lemon or a few drops of vinegar strongly stimulate taste receptors in the mouth, which may distract the nervous system from the reflex contractions of the diaphragm. It is advised to avoid this method for those suffering from gastritis, ulcers, or tooth enamel sensitivity.

When are hiccups dangerous?

In the vast majority of cases, hiccups disappear within minutes, but if they last more than 48 hours, recur without an obvious cause, or interfere with eating, drinking, sleeping, and normal breathing, you must consult a doctor immediately. Chronic hiccups may be associated with gastrointestinal diseases, neurological disorders, metabolic imbalances, or side effects of certain medications.