Home
Articles
Q&A

What are the causes of hiccups?

Mar 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, hiccups may be caused by eating too quickly or excessively, emotional fluctuations, gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, diaphragmatic spasm, and other factors. Symptomatic management may involve general treatment and medication. In daily life, it is recommended to adjust dietary habits and maintain balanced nutrition, which helps strengthen physical condition and support gastrointestinal function.

　　In general, possible causes of hiccups include eating too quickly or excessively, emotional fluctuations, gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, and diaphragmatic spasms. Symptomatic management may involve general treatments and medication. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended for appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　

　　1. Eating Too Quickly or Excessively

　　Eating too quickly or consuming excessive amounts of food can cause rapid stomach expansion, which may stimulate the diaphragm. This stimulation can lead to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, resulting in hiccups, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and indigestion. It is recommended to modify eating habits, chew food thoroughly, and take a light walk after meals to aid digestion and reduce hiccups.

　　2. Emotional Fluctuations

　　During emotional fluctuations, breathing patterns may become rapid or irregular, affecting the normal function of the diaphragm and causing spasms, which can trigger hiccups. These may be accompanied by symptoms such as anxiety and increased heart rate. It is recommended to learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, which can help stabilize emotions and reduce the occurrence of hiccups.

　　3. Gastroesophageal Reflux

　　Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or malfunctions, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. These acidic substances can irritate the esophageal mucosa and surrounding nerves, including the phrenic nerve, leading to hiccups. Symptoms may also include heartburn, chest pain, and acid regurgitation. It is recommended to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, or famotidine tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

　　4. Peptic Ulcer

　　Peptic ulcers develop when the stomach lining or duodenum is damaged by gastric acid and pepsin, resulting in ulcers. The nerves surrounding these ulcer sites may be irritated by inflammation and ulceration, causing pain and discomfort, and potentially triggering diaphragmatic spasms that lead to hiccups. Symptoms may also include upper abdominal pain, hunger-related pain, or postprandial pain. It is recommended to take medications such as baclofen, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcid chewable tablets under a physician's guidance for treatment.

　　5. Diaphragmatic Spasms

　　The diaphragm is a muscle separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities, and its contraction and relaxation assist in respiration. When the diaphragm is stimulated by factors such as cold or pain, or when nerve regulation is abnormal, involuntary contractions—known as diaphragmatic spasms—can occur, resulting in hiccups. Hiccups may last for an extended period and may not resolve spontaneously. It is recommended to take medications such as baclofen tablets, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcid chewable tablets as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.

　　In daily life, it is recommended to adjust dietary structure and maintain balanced nutrition, which helps strengthen physical health and support gastrointestinal function.

　　References

　　[1] Xia Yanfei. Dietary Considerations for Reflux Esophagitis[C]// Guangdong Provincial Oncology Rehabilitation Association. Collection of Health Education Works from the 2024 South China Health Management Forum. Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University; 2024:127.

　　[2] Lu Jing. Is Hiccup a Disease?[J]. Health Care and Wellness, 2024(01):44.

Related Articles

View All
Why do I keep hiccupping after having an appendectomy?
Improper bed-lying posture after surgery: Prolonged supine position postoperatively may cause residual gas in the abdominal cavity or changes in gastrointestinal pressure, stimulating the diaphragm and triggering hiccups. The frequency of hiccups may change when altering posture. It is recommended to adjust bed-lying posture regularly, such as adopting a semi-sitting position or slowly sitting up, and to engage in appropriate ambulation when medically permitted, thereby reducing diaphragmatic pressure. Eating too quickly or overeating.
avatar
Dr. Wang Lei
View Full Answer
Hiccups in newborns may be a signal of what diseases?
In general, newborn hiccups are not necessarily caused by diseases. The main causes of newborn hiccups include improper feeding, exposure to cold, swallowing excessive air, gastroesophageal reflux, and pneumonia. If a newborn experiences frequent hiccups or accompanying abnormal symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a reputable hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain a quiet feeding environment for the newborn.
avatar
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
View Full Answer
What should I do if a newborn has hiccups?
During feeding, if a newborn eats too quickly or eagerly, they may swallow a large amount of air into the stomach, which can irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups. Parents should adjust the feeding position to ensure the newborn's head is higher than their body, reducing the chance of swallowing air. After feeding, hold the newborn upright and gently pat their back to help expel air from the stomach.
avatar
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
View Full Answer
Three types of people should avoid eating carambola (starfruit).
Starfruit contains neurotoxins. Patients with kidney disease and impaired renal function cannot effectively eliminate these toxins, which may lead to poisoning after consumption, causing symptoms such as hiccups, vomiting, and impaired consciousness, and may even worsen the condition, leading to life-threatening situations. Starfruit is cold in nature; individuals with cold deficiency in the gastrointestinal tract may experience increased internal coldness after consumption, making them more susceptible to indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
Can eating too much starfruit cause poisoning?
Under normal circumstances, eating too much starfruit may lead to poisoning. Starfruit contains a neurotoxin that healthy individuals can excrete through the kidneys. However, people with kidney dysfunction are unable to eliminate this toxin, which may result in symptoms of poisoning. The neurotoxin can enter the brain and cause excitotoxicity, potentially leading to seizures, confusion, and other symptoms. Symptoms of starfruit poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and persistent hiccups.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
Why can't I stop hiccuping continuously?
Eating too quickly or consuming excessive amounts of food at once can cause the stomach to expand rapidly, stimulating the phrenic nerve and triggering persistent hiccups. At this time, you may try taking a deep breath, then holding it for as long as possible before exhaling slowly. Repeat this several times. Alternatively, you can drink a large mouthful of water and swallow it in several small sips, which can regulate pressure within the esophagus, relieve diaphragmatic spasms, and stop the hiccups.
avatar
Dr. Shen Yonghua
View Full Answer
What causes persistent hiccups?
In general, persistent hiccups may be caused by factors such as eating too quickly, emotional fluctuations, electrolyte imbalances, gastroesophageal reflux, or gastritis. Symptomatic management may involve general treatments, medication, and other approaches. In daily life, one should pay attention to dietary hygiene and maintain regular eating habits, avoiding overeating and consuming irritating foods to prevent physical discomfort.
avatar
Dr. Shen Yonghua
View Full Answer
What causes persistent hiccups?
Eating quickly can cause you to swallow large amounts of air, which accumulates in the stomach, irritating the diaphragm and possibly causing frequent hiccups, often accompanied by a feeling of bloating. To improve this, eat more slowly and chew your food thoroughly, avoid talking while eating to reduce air swallowing. Taking a proper walk after meals can promote gastrointestinal motility, accelerate gas expulsion, and alleviate hiccups.
avatar
Dr. Shen Yonghua
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.