Hiccups can amuse some and embarrass others, but they affect us all—even newborns. Occasional episodes are harmless, while chronic ones require medical evaluation.
Hiccups occur due to involuntary, spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest and abdomen. The glottis suddenly closes, blocking airflow and causing vocal cords to vibrate, producing the familiar "hic" sound.
In some cases, hiccups stem from irritation of nerves controlling respiratory muscles, such as from hot drinks or abdominal infections. This nerve stimulation triggers diaphragm spasms.
Benign, acute hiccups—affecting all ages, including infants—last seconds to two days, often after bloating, digestive upset, or alcohol. Persistent or recurrent hiccups merit a doctor's assessment to identify underlying issues.
Can hiccups last years?
Yes—Charles Osborne, an American, hiccuped for 68 years at 40 per minute after a brain blood vessel burst while lifting heavy weight.
Chronic hiccups, lasting over 48 hours, recurring frequently, or spanning weeks, need professional investigation. Doctors may use endoscopy or imaging to diagnose. They can signal conditions like esophageal reflux damaging the esophagus, diaphragm nerve issues, brain lesions, or side effects from drugs like glucocorticoids, antibiotics, opiates, or dopaminergic agonists.
Seek care if hiccups accompany chest/abdominal pain, vomiting, regurgitation, swallowing difficulty, or fever.
Hiccups in Babies?
Infants often hiccup in their first year due to swallowed air or liquid during feeds, or even a full stomach. They can occur during sleep and start in utero around 20 weeks from amniotic fluid. Distinguish from GERD-related regurgitation.
For adults, try lying on your back, knees to chest to compress the diaphragm, then sipping water head-down until resolved. Alternatively, gulp ice-cold water without pausing, or suck on a sugar-dipped lemon to relax the diaphragm.
For babies, hold upright post-feeding to aid digestion and prevent air swallow—use low-flow nipples for bottles.
Avoid These Myths
Spoon on forehead, upside-down drinking, breath-holding, or counting rarely work—despite popular lore.
Most hiccups resolve spontaneously. For babies, episodes look alarming but pass. Consult a doctor for prolonged, frequent attacks to rule out esophageal irritation or nerve disorders.
Source:
https://www.doctissimo.fr/html/sante/encyclopedia/sa_953_hoquet.htm
https://amelioretasante.com/hoquet-chronique-est-il-possible-de-le-treat/
https://www.femmeactuelle.fr/sante/news-sante/la-plus-longue-crise-de-hoquet-dans-le-monde-a-dure-68-ans-comment-est-ce-possible- 2076944
https://www.edimark.fr/Front/frontpost/getfiles/17159.pdf
https://www.mariefrance.fr/equilibre/sante/naturel-parallele/7-techniques-stopper-hoquet-353346.html#item=3
