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What exactly is the hiccup?

What exactly is the hiccup?

The hiccups can be quite irritating. What actually happens in your body when you have hiccups?

The hiccups are repeated, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. The sound is caused by the epiglottis closing suddenly.

It is not always certain what causes the hiccups. It can be the result of incorrect breathing, where you swallow air. There are also other things that can potentially trigger the hiccups. Some of those things are alcohol, overeating, temperature changes and drinking carbonated drinks.

When do you go to the doctor with the hiccups? If you have hiccups for more than 48 hours or if the hiccups are interfering with eating, sleeping or breathing, it is time to see a doctor. Chronic hiccups may have an underlying problem.

Read also: This is how you (maybe) get rid of hiccups