Hiccups in adults and children. How to stop hiccups

When is it normal, and when do you need a doctor?

Hiccuping is a sudden, involuntary inhalation that occurs due to a spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities). Most often, it is an absolutely safe physiological condition that resolves on its own within minutes. However, if hiccuping becomes persistent, exhausting, or lasts longer than 48 hours, it may be a symptom of hidden pathologies and requires a mandatory medical examination. If you are interested in how to get rid of hiccups, it is first important to understand the cause.

What is it and why does it occur?

From the perspective of evidence-based medicine, hiccuping is a reflex triggered by irritation of the vagus or phrenic nerve.

In infants, it is a normal stage of the development of the nervous system. The most common causes in children and adults include:

• Overeating or swallowing food too quickly.
• Swallowing air while eating or talking (aerophagia).
• Consuming carbonated beverages.
• Sudden temperature changes (e.g., hot food after a cold drink).
• Emotional excitement, strong laughter, or stress.

Symptoms

The main manifestation is the characteristic short sound "hic," which repeats at regular intervals. This occurs because the vocal cords close sharply during a diaphragm spasm. Sometimes hiccuping is accompanied by a slight feeling of tightness in the chest or abdomen.

When to see a doctor urgently?

Isolated attacks do not harm health. Consultation with a pediatrician (for children) or a therapist/neurologist (for adults) is necessary if:

• The attack lasts continuously for more than 3–4 hours.
• The hiccups recur daily and interfere with the child's ability to sleep, eat, or breathe.
• It is accompanied by regurgitation "like a fountain," abdominal pain, cough, or fever.

Diagnosis

For ordinary hiccups, no examination is needed. However, if it is chronic, the doctor will prescribe diagnostics to rule out gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), infections, nervous system damage, or side effects of certain medications.

How to treat: evidence-based methods

It is strictly forbidden to scare a child – it will not help, but may traumatize their underdeveloped nervous system. Additionally, you should not self-administer or give serious prescription medications (antipsychotics or muscle relaxants) to children.

Effective and safe ways to get rid of hiccups and stop an attack include:

• For infants: Hold the baby vertically ("in an upright position") after feeding to expel excess air. If the baby hiccups while eating – take a break.
• For adults and older children: Take a deep breath and hold your breath with your mouth closed for 10–15 seconds (this increases the carbon dioxide level in the blood and soothes the diaphragm).
• Drinking water: Allow the child to take a few slow sips of cool water.

Prevention

To prevent hiccups, feed the child in a calm atmosphere, ensuring they tightly grip the nipple or pacifier with their lips. Adults should avoid rushing during meals, chew their food thoroughly, and limit carbonated beverages.

If the attack lasts too long or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, call our contact center or fill out the form on the website.