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Hiccups occur when a spasm contracts the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. This spasm causes an intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by the closing of the vocal cords. This is what makes the "hiccup" sound.
There are three types of hiccups:
Hiccups that last longer than 48 hours can be a sign of a more serious health problem and should be checked by a doctor.
Many things can cause short bouts of hiccups that go away on their own (common hiccups). These can include:
Hiccups that last more than 48 hours (persistent hiccups and intractable hiccups) can be caused by:
Most bouts of hiccups go away on their own within a few minutes to a few hours and do not need any treatment.
Many home remedies are used to treat hiccups. Some of these remedies include:
The treatment for persistent or intractable hiccups depends on the underlying cause of the hiccups and may range from medicine to acupuncture or hypnosis. Sometimes several treatments may be tried before persistent or intractable hiccups are controlled. If you have hiccups that last a few days or longer, your doctor may do some tests to rule out a more serious problem.
Current as of: August 6, 2023
Author: Healthwise StaffClinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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