Why Do We Get Hiccups? What Is Happening in Your Diaphragm
Hiccups arrive without warning and leave the same way. What is actually happening is simple to describe.
Two parts to every hiccup
MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, says a hiccup has two parts. First is an involuntary movement of the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs and the main muscle used for breathing. Second is a quick closing of the vocal cords, which causes the "hic" sound.
Common triggers
Mayo Clinic says hiccups are repeated spasms of the diaphragm that you cannot control. Eating a large meal, drinking alcoholic or carbonated drinks, or getting excited suddenly may cause them. MedlinePlus adds eating too quickly, eating hot or spicy food, feeling nervous, a bloated stomach and certain medicines. It also notes that hiccups can start and stop for no obvious reason.
Mayo Clinic lists swallowing air, for example while chewing gum or smoking, among the most common triggers for hiccups lasting less than 48 hours.
How long they last
MedlinePlus says hiccups usually go away on their own after a few minutes. Mayo Clinic says that for most people they last only a few minutes, and rarely they continue for months, which can cause weight loss and extreme tiredness.
Do home remedies work?
MedlinePlus lists breathing into a paper bag, sipping cold water, holding your breath and gargling with ice water. It says there is no proof that these work, but they are not harmful, so you could try them.
When to see a doctor
Mayo Clinic advises seeing a health care provider if hiccups last more than 48 hours, or if they are so severe that they interfere with eating, sleeping or breathing. In some cases they can point to an underlying medical issue. This article is general information, not medical advice.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, Hiccups: https://medlineplus.gov/hiccups.html
- Mayo Clinic, Hiccups symptoms and causes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/symptoms-causes/syc-20352613
Facts checked: October 9, 2026.