What are hiccups? Reference Hiccups Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window occur when a spasm contracts the Reference
diaphragm Opens New Window, a large sheet of muscle that
separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. This spasm
causes an intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by the
closure of the vocal cords (glottis). This closure causes the
characteristic "hiccup" sound. What causes hiccups? A very full
stomach can cause bouts of hiccups that go away on their own. A
full stomach can be caused by: - Eating too much food too
quickly. - Drinking too much alcohol. - Swallowing too much air.
- A sudden change in stomach temperature, such as drinking a hot
beverage and then a cold beverage. - Emotional stress or
excitement. How long do hiccups last? Hiccups usually stop
within a few minutes to a few hours. Hiccups that last longer
than 48 hours are called persistent hiccups. Hiccups that last
longer than a month are called intractable hiccups. While very
rare, intractable hiccups can cause ex