Why Do Hiccups Happen?

A person may experience hiccups when an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm is followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, resulting in a "hic" noise. Hiccups are usually curable with simple methods or go away on their own, but the condition has been known to last for decades.

What Are Hiccups?

• Hiccups are bursts of inhaled air that become trapped between the diaphragm and lungs, according to Medical News Today. When the lungs take in too much air quickly, some of it becomes trapped. The diaphragm's reaction to this produces hiccups. The hiccup sound is caused by closing of the glottis in the larynx.

Causes

• Most cases of hiccups are the result of eating or drinking to quickly. Sometimes eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol, or hot liquids may cause hiccups to start. Serious medical conditions---including Tourette syndrome, tumors, strokes, pneumonia and pleurisy---may also trigger hiccups.

Cures

• The diaphragm is controlled by the phrenic nerves, irritation of which produces hiccups. You may try to stop hiccups by holding your breath for 10 seconds, breathing into a paper bag, drinking a glass of water or eating a spoonful of sugar.