Hiccups: Causes, Risk Factors, and When to Seek Medical Care

Hiccups are repetitive, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm sits beneath the lungs and plays a crucial role in breathing by helping the lungs expand and contract.

When the diaphragm suddenly contracts outside of its normal rhythm, the vocal cords close abruptly. This causes a sudden intake of air, producing the familiar “hic” sound.

In most cases, hiccups are harmless and resolve on their own. However, persistent or prolonged hiccups may signal an underlying medical issue and should not be ignored.

How Hiccups Start

There is no reliable way to predict when hiccups will occur. Each spasm of the diaphragm is usually preceded by a brief tightening in the chest or throat before the hiccup sound is produced.

Most episodes:

• Begin suddenly

• Resolve within minutes

• Occur without an obvious cause

Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours are considered persistent, while episodes lasting longer than two months are classified as intractable or stubborn hiccups.

Possible Causes of Hiccups

Although many triggers have been identified, hiccups often occur without a clear explanation.

Common Triggers of Short-Term Hiccups

• Eating spicy foods

• Overeating

• Drinking carbonated beverages

• Alcohol consumption

• Eating very hot or very cold foods

• Emotional stress or excitement

• Sudden temperature changes

• Swallowing air (gum chewing, eating quickly)

Causes of Persistent Hiccups

Hiccups lasting longer than 48 hours are often linked to irritation or injury of the nerves that control the diaphragm, particularly the phrenic nerve or vagus nerve.

These nerves may be affected by:

• Throat irritation or inflammation

• Foreign objects touching the eardrum

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

• Enlarged thyroid (goiter)

• Tumours or cysts in the esophagus

Risk Factors

Hiccups can occur at any age — even before birth — but certain factors increase the likelihood:

• Male sex

• Recent surgery (especially abdominal surgery)

• General anesthesia

• Strong emotional responses (stress, anxiety, excitement)

Management and When to Seek Medical Care

Most hiccup episodes are not a medical concern and resolve without treatment. However, prolonged hiccups can interfere with eating, sleeping, breathing, and daily activities.

Seek Medical Advice If:

• Hiccups last longer than 48 hours

• They interfere with sleep or nutrition

• They occur alongside other symptoms such as chest pain, vomiting, or neurological changes

A healthcare provider can assess for underlying causes and determine whether treatment is necessary.

Why This Matters for First Aid Awareness in Canada

While hiccups are usually benign, persistent hiccups may indicate serious medical conditions involving the nervous system, digestive tract, or chest organs. First aid and CPR training in Canada emphasizes recognizing when seemingly minor symptoms warrant medical evaluation — especially when they persist or worsen.

Important Disclaimer

Educational Use Only
This article is intended for general health education and first aid awareness in Canada. It does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Persistent hiccups or associated symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.