Hiccups

A hiccup is an unintentional movement (spasm) of the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs. The spasm is followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords, which produces a distinctive sound.

Hiccups often start for no apparent reason and usually disappear after a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups can persist for days, weeks, or months. Hiccups are common and normal in newborns and infants.

• Noxious fumes
• Hot and spicy foods or liquids
• Any disease or disorder that irritates the nerves that control the diaphragm (such as pleurisy or pneumonia)
• Stroke or tumor affecting the "hiccup center" in the brain
• Abdominal surgery

There may be no obvious cause for hiccups.

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