Skip to main content

We make finding a doctor in the UAE free, transparent, and easy.

Zavis

Hiccups on and off for 2 days: what to know

Where Hiccups is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Hiccups is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Hiccups that come and go for two days are often temporary, but persistent or painful episodes deserve medical assessment.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Pattern
Intermittent hiccups over two days
Track
Triggers, timing and associated symptoms

What recurring hiccups can mean

A hiccup is a sudden involuntary contraction of the diaphragm followed by closure of the voice box. Episodes may recur when the stomach is distended, when you eat quickly, or after fizzy drinks, alcohol, spicy food or a sudden change in temperature. Reflux or stomach irritation can also stimulate nearby nerves and make hiccups return; see [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) and [Gastritis](/conditions/gastritis/) for related symptoms. The pattern alone cannot identify one cause.

Notice whether the hiccups interrupt sleep, eating, drinking or speaking. Record what happened before each episode, along with heartburn, upper-abdominal discomfort, vomiting, cough or breathlessness. This information helps a clinician decide whether the problem is likely digestive, medication-related or connected with another condition.

What you can try now

Take small sips of cool water, slow your breathing and sit upright. Eat slowly and choose small, gentle meals while the hiccups are active. Avoid swallowing air, carbonated drinks, alcohol and foods that clearly trigger burning or bloating. Do not use frightening startle methods or swallow dry food quickly, because these can cause choking.

If heartburn or sour fluid accompanies the hiccups, ask a pharmacist or clinician whether an appropriate [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) is suitable for you. Do not start, stop or change prescribed medicine without advice.

When to seek care

Arrange medical advice if the hiccups continue, repeatedly return, or interfere with sleep, meals, fluids or breathing. Seek urgent help for severe chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, new confusion, fainting, weakness, trouble speaking, repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down. A clinician may examine your chest and abdomen, review medicines and consider reflux or other causes.

Questions for your doctor

Could reflux, stomach irritation or a medicine be contributing? What symptoms should prompt urgent review? Which foods, drinks or breathing techniques should I avoid or try?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Are recurring hiccups always serious?

No. Temporary irritation is common, but repeated episodes that disrupt eating, sleep or breathing should be assessed.

Can reflux be linked with hiccups?

Yes. Reflux can irritate the food pipe and nearby nerves, especially when heartburn or sour fluid occurs too.

Related

Related reading

Keep reading

More on this

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.