Hiccups

Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm — the breathing muscle — that snap the vocal cords shut, making the "hic" sound. Most hiccups are harmless and settle within minutes to hours. Longer-lasting hiccups occasionally signal something else.

Common triggers

• Eating too fast or too much.
• Fizzy drinks.
• Sudden temperature change (drinking very cold water after hot food).
• Alcohol.
• Excitement or stress.
• Swallowed air.

Simple home methods

• Hold your breath for 10-15 seconds; repeat.
• Drink cold water slowly, in small sips.
• Bite on a lemon or swallow a teaspoon of honey.
• Sugar — a teaspoon of dry sugar melted on the tongue.
• Breathe into a paper bag briefly (not plastic).
• Pull your knees up to your chest or lean forward to compress the diaphragm.
• Gargle with cold water.

When to see a Health Expert

• Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours.
• Hiccups interfering with eating, sleeping or breathing.
• Hiccups with other symptoms — reflux, chest pain, vomiting, weight loss, neurological symptoms.
• Hiccups after abdominal surgery or in someone with a serious illness.

Persistent or intractable hiccups can point to acid reflux, a stomach distension problem, a diaphragm irritation, nerve disease, or certain medicines. They're usually treatable once the cause is found.