How to Get Rid of Hiccups: Why Your Diaphragm Spasms & Medical Next Steps

Hiccups are common, annoying, and usually harmless. Most people experience them from time to time, and they often go away on their own. But when they linger, they can become uncomfortable — even disruptive.

If you're wondering how to get rid of hiccups, it helps to first understand what's happening in your body and when you may need medical care.

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What Are Hiccups?

Hiccups happen when your diaphragm — the large muscle that helps you breathe — suddenly spasms without warning. This spasm forces air quickly into your lungs. When that air hits your vocal cords, they snap shut, creating the familiar "hic" sound.

This reflex involves:

• The diaphragm
• The phrenic and vagus nerves
• The brainstem (which controls breathing)

Most hiccups last only a few minutes. In medical terms:

• Acute hiccups: Last less than 48 hours
• Persistent hiccups: Last more than 48 hours
• Intractable hiccups: Last more than 1 month

The vast majority fall into the first category.

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What Causes Hiccups?

In many cases, hiccups are triggered by something simple and temporary.

Common Causes

• Eating too quickly
• Overeating
• Drinking carbonated beverages
• Drinking alcohol
• Sudden temperature changes (like hot coffee followed by ice water)
• Swallowing air while chewing gum
• Emotional stress or excitement

These triggers irritate the diaphragm or the nerves connected to it.

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How to Get Rid of Hiccups: What Actually Works?

There's no guaranteed cure for hiccups, but several methods may help interrupt the reflex arc that causes them. Most aim to stimulate the vagus nerve or change your breathing pattern.

Here are commonly recommended techniques:

1. Controlled Breathing

Slowing or holding your breath can increase carbon dioxide in your blood, which may calm diaphragm spasms.

• Hold your breath for 10–20 seconds.
• Breathe into a paper bag for short periods (never use plastic).
• Practice slow, deep breathing for a few minutes.

2. Drinking Water in Specific Ways

Water can stimulate the vagus nerve.

• Sip cold water slowly.
• Gargle with ice water.
• Drink from the far side of a glass (bend forward and drink upside down).

3. Swallowing Techniques

These stimulate nerves in the throat.

• Swallow a teaspoon of sugar.
• Suck on a lemon wedge.
• Swallow a small spoonful of honey (not for infants).

4. Gentle Physical Maneuvers

Some methods change pressure inside the chest.

• Pull your knees to your chest and lean forward.
• Gently hug your knees for 1–2 minutes.
• Try a Valsalva maneuver (bear down as if having a bowel movement for 10–15 seconds).

While research evidence is limited for many home remedies, these approaches are widely used and generally safe for healthy adults.

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When Hiccups Last Longer Than They Should

Most hiccups resolve within minutes to hours. If they last longer than 48 hours, it's important to pay attention.

Persistent hiccups may be caused by:

Digestive Issues

• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Stomach distension
• Irritation of the esophagus

Nervous System Conditions

• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Tumors
• Multiple sclerosis

Metabolic or Medical Problems

• Diabetes
• Kidney failure
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Infections

Medications

Some drugs can trigger hiccups, including:

• Steroids
• Certain chemotherapy drugs
• Benzodiazepines
• Opioids

Persistent hiccups are uncommon, but when they occur, they deserve medical evaluation.

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Signs You Should Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if hiccups:

• Last more than 48 hours
• Interfere with sleep
• Make it difficult to eat or drink
• Cause vomiting
• Are accompanied by chest pain
• Occur with confusion, weakness, or severe headache

While serious causes are rare, long-lasting hiccups can sometimes signal underlying medical conditions that require treatment.

If you're experiencing hiccups that won't go away or are unsure what might be causing them, you can use a free AI symptom checker for constant hiccups to get personalized insights and understand whether you should seek medical care.

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How Doctors Treat Persistent Hiccups

If hiccups continue, your doctor may:

1. Take a Detailed History

They will ask about:

• Recent illness
• Medications
• Alcohol use
• Digestive symptoms
• Neurological symptoms

2. Perform an Exam

This may include:

• A neurological exam
• Abdominal evaluation
• Listening to heart and lungs

3. Order Tests (if needed)

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• CT or MRI scan (if neurological causes are suspected)

4. Prescribe Medication

For persistent hiccups, doctors may prescribe:

• Baclofen
• Gabapentin
• Chlorpromazine (FDA-approved for hiccups)
• Metoclopramide (especially if reflux-related)

These medications work by calming nerve signals involved in diaphragm spasms.

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Can Hiccups Ever Be Dangerous?

Most hiccups are harmless and temporary.

However, long-term hiccups can cause complications, including:

• Sleep deprivation
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Emotional distress

In rare cases, persistent hiccups may point to serious underlying conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, or significant metabolic disorders. That's why hiccups lasting longer than 48 hours should not be ignored.

There's no need to panic — but there is a need to pay attention.

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How to Prevent Hiccups

You can't always prevent hiccups, but these steps may help reduce episodes:

• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
• Avoid overeating
• Limit carbonated beverages
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Manage acid reflux if you have it
• Avoid sudden temperature changes in drinks

If you frequently experience hiccups after meals, talk to your doctor about reflux or digestive concerns.

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Special Considerations for Babies

Hiccups are very common in infants. They usually happen during or after feeding and are harmless.

In babies:

• Hiccups do not typically cause discomfort.
• They usually stop on their own.
• Burping during feeds may help.

If your baby has feeding problems, vomiting, or appears distressed, consult a pediatrician.

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The Bottom Line: How to Get Rid of Hiccups

If you're looking for how to get rid of hiccups, start with simple, safe home remedies like controlled breathing, drinking water slowly, or gentle pressure maneuvers. In most cases, hiccups resolve quickly without treatment.

But remember:

• Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours need medical evaluation.
• Persistent hiccups may signal digestive, neurological, or metabolic issues.
• Ongoing hiccups that affect eating or sleeping should not be ignored.

If you're dealing with hiccups that keep coming back or seem unusual, try Ubie's free symptom checker for constant hiccups to help determine your next steps and whether medical attention is recommended.

And most importantly, speak to a doctor right away if hiccups are severe, persistent, or occur alongside concerning symptoms like chest pain, confusion, weakness, or difficulty breathing.

Hiccups are usually a small inconvenience — but listening to your body is always the right move.