Hiccups
Sudden, involuntary spasms of the breathing muscle (diaphragm), with a "hic" as the voice box snaps shut. Common triggers are eating too fast or too much, fizzy drinks, alcohol, smoking, and excitement or stress. Almost all bouts stop on their own within minutes to hours. Hiccups lasting more than 2 days (48 hours) are called persistent, and need a check-up.
Treatment options
Ratings show how strong the research is.
- Limited evidenceBreath-hold and "top-up" methodBreathe in fully and hold for 10 seconds. Without breathing out, sip in a little more air and hold 5 seconds, then once more for 5 seconds, then breathe out slowly. Small case reports suggest it often works, but there are no proper trials.
- Limited evidenceOther physical tricksSipping or gargling ice-cold water, swallowing a teaspoon of sugar, bending forward or hugging your knees to your chest, or bearing down as if straining. Harmless and worth trying.
- Limited evidenceTreating the causeFor persistent hiccups, your GP will look for causes such as reflux, medicines or other illness. A trial of reflux medicine is often the first step.
- Limited evidencePrescription medicinesFor persistent hiccups that don’t settle, a doctor may try medicines such as baclofen, gabapentin or metoclopramide. Evidence is limited and side effects such as drowsiness are common.
- Not recommendedPressing on the eyeballsSometimes suggested online, but can damage the eye.
- Not recommendedScaring someoneNot proven to work, and can be distressing.
What you can do
- Eat slowly, in smaller meals, and go easy on fizzy drinks and alcohol.
- If hiccups keep recurring, note when they happen and what you ate or drank.
- Ask your pharmacist or GP if a new medicine could be the cause (for example steroids or some sedatives).
See your GP if
- Hiccups last more than 2 days, or keep coming back
- They stop you eating, sleeping or talking
- You also have heartburn, trouble swallowing, tummy pain, vomiting or weight loss
- You started a new medicine shortly before
Call 000 if hiccups come with chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion or a severe headache.
Evidence and more information
maladywise.com/hiccups/