How to stop hiccups in adults

Hiccups, also called singultus, are repeated involuntary spasms of the diaphragm followed by a quick closure at the top of the airway. Eating quickly, swallowing air, fizzy drinks, alcohol, sudden temperature changes, laughter and emotional stress can trigger a short episode. Ongoing hiccups may occur alongside acid reflux or gastritis, and occasionally reflect a medicine or another medical problem.

Stop eating for a moment and take small, slow sips of water. Sit upright, relax your shoulders and breathe at a comfortable pace. When you resume food, choose small bites and eat slowly. Avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol and very large meals until the episode settles. Do not use frightening, painful or unsafe tricks, and do not swallow objects or hold your breath until you feel distressed. A clinician may consider acid reflux medication when reflux is part of the pattern.

Contact a clinician if hiccups last beyond a brief episode, keep returning without a clear trigger, or prevent sleep, eating or drinking. Seek urgent care for hiccups with severe chest or abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, weakness, severe headache or breathing difficulty. Tell the clinician about recent surgery, new medicines, alcohol use, reflux symptoms and any neurological symptoms.

Ask whether reflux, gastritis, a medicine or another condition could be maintaining the hiccups, whether you need an examination, and which treatment is appropriate. Describe when the episode began and what makes it better or worse.