What causes hiccups

There is a muscle in your body that helps you breathe. It is called the diaphragm. It pulls down when you inhale and then loosens itself when you exhale.

Sometimes the diaphragm gets irritated and pulls down in a jerky way, which forces you to suck in, and when the air hits your voice box, your vocal cords suddenly close, and you hiccup.

Hiccups normally last for a few minutes, but sometimes can last for days, weeks or months. If it lasts that long, then go see a doctor.

Things that can irritate your diaphragm is eating too quickly, an irritation in your stomach or throat, or feeling nervous or excited. Certain medicines can also cause hiccups.

Preventing hiccups

• Try not to eat too much food (especially fatty foods or spicy foods)
• Try not to drink too much either (especially carbonated drinks or alchohol)
• Don't get too excited or nervous.

Suggestions on curing hiccups

• Hold your breath for 10 seconds.
• Drink a lot of water
• Put sugar under your tongue
• Get scared

If none of the suggestions work, then just wait until it is over.

Sources

• kidshealth.org