Why We Get Hiccups and How to Stop Them

Hiccup! Hiccup! Hiccup! You’ve just come home after a night out, and now you’re stuck with hiccups. All you can think about is how impossible it will be to sleep if they don’t go away—and you’re willing to try anything to make them stop.

Most of us have dealt with hiccups at some point, and they can be stubborn. Read on to learn what causes hiccups, how to stop them, why alcohol often triggers them, and how to prevent drinking-related hiccups in the future.

What Are Hiccups?

Hiccups are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm—the muscle beneath your lungs that separates your chest from your abdomen and helps you breathe. Normally, your diaphragm contracts and relaxes rhythmically to let air in and out of your lungs.

When you hiccup, your brain signals the diaphragm to contract suddenly, pulling air into your throat. At the same time, your vocal cords snap shut, producing the classic “hic” sound.

Over the years, hiccups have inspired plenty of superstitions—some say they mean someone is talking about you, while others blame elves or spirits. Science, however, tells us they’re simply an involuntary reflex.

What Causes Hiccups?

Hiccups start with nerve signals from the diaphragm traveling to the midbrain, which then sends messages back to control diaphragm and chest muscles. Here are common triggers:

• Swallowing Air: Chewing gum, smoking, eating or drinking too quickly, or sucking on hard candies can increase air intake and irritate nerves that trigger hiccups.
• Overeating: Large meals or carbonated drinks can stretch your stomach, pressing on the diaphragm and causing spasms.
• Excitement or Stress: Strong emotions can overstimulate the vagus nerve, activating the hiccup reflex.
• Acid Reflux: Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can irritate the diaphragm or related nerves.

Alcohol can cause hiccups too. It affects your nervous system directly and may also lead to acid reflux or stomach distension from carbonation.

Can Hiccups Be Dangerous?

Hiccups are usually harmless and short-lived, but in rare cases, they can become serious:

• Acute Hiccups: Last a few minutes or hours and go away on their own.
• Persistent Hiccups: Continue for more than 48 hours and may require medical care.
• Chronic Hiccups: Last for days, weeks, or even years and can interfere with eating, drinking, or breathing.

About 4,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year for severe hiccups. If your hiccups last longer than two days or are very painful, see a doctor.

How to Stop Hiccups

While hiccups often resolve on their own, these science-backed tips may help:

• Breathing and Posture: Hold your breath or breathe into a paper bag to increase carbon dioxide levels. Curling into a ball and hugging your knees can also help.
• Cold Water: Drink cold water or take a cold shower to stimulate the vagus nerve.
• Lemon Juice: Suck on a lemon wedge—the strong flavor can “reset” nerves in your throat.
• Sugar: A spoonful of sugar may stimulate the pharynx and interrupt the hiccup cycle.

Note: Drunk hiccups may last longer due to alcohol’s effect on your nervous system. Time is often the only sure cure.

How to Prevent Hiccups

Prevention is often easier than cure. Try these tips:

• Skip Carbonated Drinks: Fizzy beverages can expand your stomach and irritate your diaphragm.
• Eat and Drink Slowly: This reduces air swallowing and lowers hiccup risk.
• Drink in Moderation: Excess alcohol can trigger acid reflux or stomach distension.
• Manage Stress: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or exercise can help.
• Avoid Spicy Foods: These can cause acid reflux, especially if you’re prone to hiccups.

Final Thoughts

Hiccups are sometimes unavoidable, but alcohol is one trigger you can control. Cutting back or going alcohol-free offers many health benefits—and saying goodbye to drunk hiccups is just one of them.