Why do we get hiccups?
Hiccups happen when the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs, suddenly spasms. The quick intake of air snaps the vocal cords shut, making the hic sound.
The diaphragm normally moves smoothly as we breathe. Eating too fast, swallowing air, fizzy drinks, spicy food, sudden excitement or a change in temperature can irritate the nerves that control it, causing involuntary contractions.
Most hiccups stop on their own within minutes. Popular remedies include holding your breath, sipping cold water or swallowing a spoonful of sugar. These may work by interrupting the nerve signals, although scientific evidence is limited.
When to see a doctor
Hiccups that last more than 48 hours, or that interfere with eating and sleeping, can be a sign of another health problem and should be checked by a doctor. Babies, and even unborn babies in the womb, get hiccups often.
Scientists are not sure why hiccups exist. One idea is that they are left over from our evolutionary past, when early ancestors needed a way to stop water from entering their lungs while breathing.
Did You Know?
American farmer Charles Osborne is said to have hiccuped continuously for about 68 years, from 1922 to 1990, a Guinness World Record.
This answer is general information, not medical advice. For a personal health question, talk to a doctor.