Hiccups facts for kids

The hiccups are a sudden, uncontrolled gasp of air. This happens when your diaphragm, a muscle under your lungs, suddenly tightens up. When your diaphragm tightens, it pulls air into your lungs very quickly. Then, a small flap in your throat called the epiglottis snaps shut, making the "hic" sound.

Hiccups are not a disease. They are usually just a temporary discomfort. Most hiccups last only a few minutes. Sometimes, they can last longer, but this is very rare.

What Causes Hiccups?

Hiccups happen because of a sudden irritation to the nerves that control your diaphragm. These nerves are called the phrenic nerves. When they get irritated, they make your diaphragm spasm.

Some common things that can trigger hiccups include:

• Eating or drinking too fast.
• Eating too much food.
• Drinking fizzy drinks like soda.
• Feeling very excited or stressed.
• A sudden change in temperature.
• Swallowing air.

How to Stop Hiccups

Most hiccups go away on their own. But there are many simple tricks people try to make them stop faster. These tricks often work by interrupting the breathing pattern or stimulating the nerves.

Some popular ways to try and stop hiccups are:

• Holding your breath: Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. This builds up carbon dioxide in your lungs, which can relax the diaphragm.
• Drinking water: Slowly sip a glass of cold water. Some people find drinking from the "wrong" side of the glass helps.
• Gargling: Gargling with water can stimulate the nerves in your throat.
• Eating sugar: A spoonful of sugar can sometimes help. It's thought to distract the nerves in your mouth and throat.
• Breathing into a paper bag: This increases the amount of carbon dioxide you breathe in, which can help relax the diaphragm.

When to See a Doctor

Hiccups are almost always harmless and go away quickly. However, very rarely, hiccups can last for a long time, sometimes for days or even weeks. If hiccups last for more than 48 hours, it's a good idea to tell a parent or guardian so they can talk to a doctor. Long-lasting hiccups can sometimes be a sign of another health issue, but this is very uncommon.

See also

In Spanish: Hipo para niños