How to Make Them Stop and More

Hiccups are caused by the diaphragm involuntarily contracting. Some common causes for this contraction include drinking carbonated beverages, eating a large meal, swallowing too much air, or stress.

Hiccups are repetitive, uncontrollable contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle structure just below your lungs.

The diaphragm marks the boundary between your chest and abdomen, and it also regulates breathing. When your diaphragm contracts, your lungs take in oxygen. When your diaphragm relaxes, your lungs release carbon dioxide.

The diaphragm contracting out of rhythm is what causes hiccups. Each spasm of the diaphragm makes the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords close suddenly. This results in a sudden rush of air into the lungs. Your body reacts with a gasp or chirp, creating the sound characteristic of hiccups.

There’s no way to anticipate hiccups. With each spasm, there’s usually a slight tightening of the chest or throat prior to you making the distinctive hiccup sound.

Most cases of hiccups start and end abruptly, for no noticeable reason. Episodes generally last only a few minutes.

Did you know?

The medical term for hiccups is singultus.

Numerous causes of hiccups have been identified. However, there’s no definitive list of triggers. Hiccups often come and go for no apparent reason.

Common causes of short-term hiccups may include:

• overeating
• eating spicy food
• consuming alcohol
• drinking carbonated beverages, like sodas
• consuming very hot or very cold foods
• a sudden change in air temperature
• aerophagia, which is swallowing too much air
• swallowing air while chewing gum
• excitement or emotional stress

There are several factors that can increase your likelihood of developing hiccups. You may be more susceptible if you:

• are male
• experience intense mental or emotional responses, ranging from anxiety to excitement
• have had surgery, especially abdominal surgery
• have received general anesthesia

Hiccups and your baby

Hiccups can occur at any age. They can even occur while a fetus is still in the womb.

Hiccups are also normal in newborns, are rarely bothersome for them, and don’t typically require home remedies or treatment.

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Most hiccups aren’t an emergency or anything to worry about. However, a prolonged episode can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life.

Contact a doctor if you have hiccups that last longer than 2 days. The doctor can determine the severity of your hiccups in relation to your overall health and other conditions.

There are numerous options for treating hiccups. Typically, a short-term case of hiccups will take care of itself. However, the discomfort may make waiting out hiccups unbearable if they last longer than a few minutes.

Home remedies

Not all of these have been proven to stop hiccups, but you can try the following potential treatments for hiccups at home:

• Breathe into a paper bag.
• Eat a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
• Hold your breath.
• Drink a glass of cold water.
• Pull on your tongue.
• Lift your uvula, which is the fleshy piece of tissue that’s suspended above the back of your throat, with a spoon.
• Attempt to purposefully gasp or belch.
• Bring your knees to your chest and maintain this position.
• Try the Valsalva maneuver by shutting your mouth and nose and exhaling forcibly.
• Relax and breathe in a slow, controlled manner.

Medications

Treating any underlying causes of your hiccups will usually make them go away.

If your hiccups last for a while and have no obvious cause, a doctor may recommend several anti-hiccup medications. The more commonly used medications include:

• antipsychotic medications chlorpromazine and haloperidol
• benzodiazepines, a class of tranquilizers
• seizure medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an antihistamine
• metoclopramide (Reglan), an anti-nausea drug
• baclofen, a muscle relaxant
• nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL), a blood pressure medication

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any prescription medications for the treatment of hiccups. If a doctor recommends any of the prescription medications above, it’ll be an example of off-label drug use.

Off-label drug use

Off-label drug use means a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for one purpose is used for a different purpose that hasn’t yet been approved.

However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose. This is because the FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, but not how doctors use them to treat their patients. So your doctor can prescribe a medication however they think is best for your care.

Massage

A doctor may perform a carotid sinus massage to help stop long lasting hiccups. This involves rubbing the main carotid artery in the neck.

Invasive procedures

There are also more invasive options, which can be used to end extreme cases of hiccups. They include:

• nasogastric intubation, which is the insertion of a tube through your nose into your stomach
• gastric lavage (stomach pumping)
• an anesthetic injection to block the phrenic nerve, which is located in the diaphragm
• surgical implantation of a diaphragmatic pacemaker, a battery-powered device that stimulates your diaphragm and regulates breathing

Hiccups that last longer than 48 hours are considered persistent. Hiccups that last longer than 2 months are considered intractable, or difficult to manage.

These types of long-term hiccups are categorized by the type of irritant that caused the episode.

Nerve injury or irritation

The majority of persistent hiccups are caused by injury or irritation to either the vagus or phrenic nerve. The vagus and phrenic nerves control the movement of your diaphragm. These nerves may be affected by:

• irritation of your eardrum, which may be caused by a foreign object
• throat irritation or soreness
• goiter
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• an esophageal cyst or tumor

Central nervous system (CNS) damage

Other causes of hiccups may involve the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. If the CNS is damaged, your body may lose the ability to control hiccups.

CNS damage that may lead to persistent hiccups includes:

• stroke
• multiple sclerosis (MS)
• tumors
• head trauma or brain injury
• meningitis and encephalitis, which are infections that can cause swelling in the brain
• hydrocephalus, or the accumulation of fluid on the brain
• neurosyphilis and other brain infections

Other causes

Hiccups that last for longer periods can also be caused by:

• misuse of alcohol
• tobacco use
• a reaction to anesthesia after surgery
• certain classes of medications, including barbiturates, steroids, and tranquilizers
• electrolyte imbalance
• diabetes
• kidney failure
• arteriovenous malformation, a condition in which arteries and veins are tangled in the brain
• Parkinson’s disease
• cancer and chemotherapy treatments

Medical procedures

Sometimes, a medical procedure can accidentally cause you to develop long-term hiccups. These procedures are used to treat or diagnose other conditions and include:

• use of catheters to access the heart muscle
• placement of an esophageal stent to prop open the esophagus
• bronchoscopy, in which a doctor uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end to examine your lungs and airways
• tracheostomy, or the creation of a surgical opening in the neck to allow breathing around an airway obstruction

Diagnosis

If the cause of your hiccups is unclear, a doctor may recommend tests. These can help detect any underlying disease or condition.

The following tests may be useful in determining the cause of persistent or intractable hiccups:

• blood tests to identify signs of infection, diabetes, or kidney disease
• liver function tests
• imaging of the diaphragm with a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI
• echocardiogram to assess heart function
• endoscopy, in which a doctor uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end to investigate your esophagus, windpipe, stomach, and intestine
• bronchoscopy

A long-term episode of hiccups can be uncomfortable and even harmful to your health. If left untreated, prolonged hiccups can disturb your sleeping and eating patterns, leading to:

• sleeplessness
• exhaustion
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• dehydration

There’s no proven method for preventing hiccups. However, if you experience hiccups frequently, you can try to reduce your exposure to known triggers.

Following this advice may also help reduce your susceptibility to hiccups:

• Try not to overeat.
• Avoid carbonated beverages.
• Protect yourself from sudden temperature changes.
• Don’t drink alcohol.
• Remain calm, and try to avoid intense emotional or physical reactions.

Hiccups have a wide range of possible triggers, from drinking soda and eating certain foods to medication use and underlying conditions. A number of possible treatments are also available.

In rare instances, hiccups can last longer than 48 hours. If your hiccups last longer than 48 hours, don’t respond to treatment, or you aren’t sure what’s causing them, see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Also, see a doctor or seek emergency help if you’re having numbness and coordination issues alongside your persistent hiccups. These may be symptoms of a stroke.

Why You Get Hiccups ..and How To Make Them Stop

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Why Do Hiccups Happen?
• Long-term Hiccups
• How to Make Them Stop

Once is funny, twice is hilarious, and anything more than that is usually just annoying. We’ve all had them, but do you actually know where they come from? They’re hiccups, and they’re the strange little sounds that can escape from your mouth without warning.

Hiccups start much lower in your body, though — in the diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle between your lungs and stomach. Normally, the diaphragm pulls down when you inhale to let air into your lungs, and then relaxes when you exhale so air can flow back out of your lungs to exit your nose and mouth.

But if something irritates your diaphragm, it can spasm, forcing you to suddenly suck air into your throat, where it hits your voice box. That makes your vocal cords suddenly close, creating the distinct “hic!” sound.

Hiccups can happen for a lot of reasons — some of them are physical, and some emotional. That’s because the actual irritation happens in the nerve connecting the brain to the diaphragm. Some common causes include:

• Eating too much or too quickly
• Feeling nervous or excited
• Drinking carbonated beverages or too much alcohol
• Stress
• A sudden change in temperature
• Swallowing air while sucking on candy or chewing gum

Hiccups are usually temporary, but in rare cases, they can stick around — for a while. It’s usually because of damage or aggravation to the nerves connected to the diaphragm. Everything from a hair touching your eardrum to a sore throat can affect these nerves, and in more serious cases, a tumor, goiter, or cyst in the neck can damage them.

Hiccups that last a while can also be because of central nervous system disorders like encephalitis or meningitis, or metabolic disorders like diabetes or kidney failure. Drugs like steroids or some tranquilizers can trigger long-term hiccups, too.

And even certain procedures, especially ones that require anesthesia, can give you hiccups. If you’ve been hiccupping for more than 2 days, or if they are severe enough to interfere with eating, breathing, sleeping or are causing you distress, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Also, talk to your doctor immediately if you have any kind of stomach pain, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, or cough up blood with your hiccups.

If you’re hoping that hanging upside down or having a friend scare you will get your hiccups to stop, we hate to disappoint you. But there’s no scientific proof that these remedies work.

However, some experts think holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag might do the trick; both techniques make carbon dioxide build up in your lungs, which might relax the diaphragm.

If all else fails, and your hiccups continue for several days or more, your doctor may try different medications to see if they can put an end to those uncomfortable hiccups. Good luck!

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Is it possible to die from hiccups

May 30, 2023
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Hiccups are usually harmless, but a very unpleasant and annoying symptom. Everyone is used to the fact that it passes somehow by itself and does not attach due importance to it. Can the well-known “ik” be deadly?

Just a reflex

Hiccups are the result of contraction of the diaphragm and chest muscles. So there is a sharp closure of the glottis, accompanied by a characteristic sound and a shudder of the body.

In simple words, hiccups are a kind of unconditioned reflex, whether it’s sneezing or coughing. With the help of such a mechanism, the body can get rid of excess air that has ended up inside the stomach. The attack will stop as soon as all the air is out.

Why it occurs

Physiological hiccups in a healthy adult may be associated with prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position, as well as irritation of the esophagus and stomach. In addition, the cause of hiccups may be the habit of quickly eating food or a tendency to overeat. This causes excess air to enter the stomach. It can also be associated with stress and laughter.

Also, the cause of episodic hiccups can be the use of alcohol, which causes intoxication of the body, negatively affects the nervous system and irritates the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

How dangerous is hiccups

Hiccups are not serious or life-threatening in and of themselves. However, in some cases, it can indicate serious violations in the body. You need to understand in what cases you need to see a doctor, and not self-medicate.

First, if the hiccups do not go away for more than an hour. Secondly, if the attacks bother you several times a day or several times a week. And, thirdly, if, in addition to hiccups, you feel chest pain, suffer from heartburn, or feel swallowing problems.

There are two forms of hiccups: physiological (normal), we have described it above. And there is also pathological, it can be the cause of any disease and can last for a long time – sometimes it does not end for several days. It happens:

1. Central origin – occurs in diseases of the brain and spinal cord, central nervous system and mental disorders.

2. Peripheral origin – when it affects the phrenic nerve, coming from the cervical spinal cord. In such hiccups, there is one that is explained by irritation of the vagus nerve due to diseases of the stomach, esophagus and heart.

3. Referred – refers to a type of peripheral hiccups. It occurs in diseases of organs that are far from the service area of ​​the phrenic nerve. It includes hiccups due to bowel disease.

4. Toxic – it is associated with poisoning of the body with harmful substances. Hiccups can occur as a result of alcohol and drug intoxication, infectious diseases, diabetes mellitus, and severe renal failure.

Do not immediately panic if you are haunted by prolonged hiccups. Usually, all serious diseases have much more pronounced signs that you will notice earlier than pathological diaphragmatic contraction.

How to help yourself

Physiological hiccups that are not associated with serious illness usually resolve on their own within 10-20 minutes. And although it does not threaten life, it delivers a lot of unpleasant sensations. Making a loud “hic” sound is sometimes completely out of place, so people come up with various ways to get rid of an attack as soon as possible.

Here are some life hacks. First, you can press down on the base of the tongue with your finger, as if you were inducing vomiting. Contraction of the esophagus after irritation will block diaphragmatic spasms.

Some people also find it helpful to take a deep breath, hold the breath a little, and exhale into a sealed bag. Then inhale the air from the bag. Thus, carbon dioxide enters the bloodstream, which will make the respiratory system work properly.

One of the most popular and proven ways is to drink cold water in small sips.

There is another way to drink. You need to clasp your hands behind your back in a castle and quickly drink the water that the other person is holding. This posture will relax the diaphragm, and a quick swallow of cool water will compress it. As a result, involuntary contractions will quickly stop.

Pressing and push-ups can also help with hiccups. Take good care of your body and stay healthy.

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Why do adults get hiccups after eating?

Find out why adults get hiccups after eating and how to deal with it. Detailed information about the symptoms and possible solutions to the problem.

Hiccups are unusual contractions of the diaphragm that occur without any human control. It can occur at any time, but most often occurs after meals. Adults can also suffer from hiccups, and although this phenomenon is not usually serious, it can be quite unpleasant and interfere with normal life.

There are several reasons why adults may have hiccups after eating. One of them is overeating or fast absorption of food. When we eat too much or too quickly, the stomach can stretch and press against the diaphragm, causing hiccups. Also, when you overeat or eat quickly, the stomach can release more acid, which can also cause hiccups.

Another cause of hiccups after eating in adults is irritation of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat and stomach, and when irritated it can cause hiccups. Irritation of the esophagus can be caused by a variety of factors such as acid reflux from the stomach, consumption of spicy or spicy foods, alcohol or carbonated drinks.

Causes of hiccups after eating in adults

Hiccups after eating in adults can be caused by various causes, including nutritional and non-nutritive factors.

One of the main causes of hiccups after eating is the rapid and improper absorption of food. When we eat too fast or swallow large chunks of food, it can irritate the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. Irritation of the diaphragm causes convulsive contraction of the incisors of the esophagus, which leads to hiccups.

Another cause of hiccups after eating may be excessive consumption of alcohol or carbonated drinks. Alcohol and gases in drinks can irritate the esophagus and cause the incisors to contract, resulting in hiccups.

Some medical conditions can also cause hiccups after eating in adults. For example, gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which stomach contents rise up into the esophagus and cause irritation and contraction of the incisors. This can lead to hiccups after eating.

Also, hiccups after eating may be associated with certain foods. Spicy and spicy foods, as well as foods containing a lot of salt or sugar, can irritate the esophagus and spasm the incisors, leading to hiccups.

If hiccups after eating become a regular occurrence and are accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain or difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to see a doctor for diagnosis and identification of a possible cause.

Related videos:

Speed ​​of digestion

Speed ​​of digestion is the process of decomposition and assimilation of food by the body. It depends on many factors, including the composition of food, the general condition of the body and the functioning of the digestive system.

One of the main factors affecting the speed of digestion is the fiber content of food. Fiber, or dietary fiber, is not digested by the body and passes through the digestive system almost unchanged. It enhances intestinal peristalsis and promotes faster movement of food masses. Therefore, foods rich in fiber are digested faster and can cause hiccups in adults.

The general condition of the body also affects the rate of digestion. For example, physical activity and stress levels can speed up digestion. During physical activity, the body needs more energy, so it speeds up metabolism and digestion to absorb the necessary nutrients.

Some foods can also increase the speed of digestion. For example, hot spices and appetite stimulants contain substances that can speed up intestinal motility and cause hiccups.

It is important to note that the rate of digestion can vary from person to person. Each organism is unique and may have its own characteristics in digestion. If hiccups after eating become frequent and cause discomfort, it is recommended to consult a doctor to diagnose and find out the causes of this phenomenon.

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Overeating and overeating is one of the main causes of hiccups after eating in adults. When we overeat, our body is faced with an excess amount of food that needs to be digested and absorbed. This can lead to disruption of the digestive processes and cause hiccups.

Eating too much can also cause the stomach to expand, which can put pressure on the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. With pressure on the diaphragm, a reflex reaction occurs, which manifests itself in the form of hiccups.

In addition, when overeating, foods are often consumed that can irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. This can cause the muscles in the stomach and esophagus to contract, causing hiccups.

To avoid hiccups after eating, it is important to watch your portion sizes and eat in moderation. It is also recommended to avoid eating foods that can irritate the lining of the digestive tract. It is important to pay attention to your diet and monitor your feelings after eating.

Incorrect eating habits

Incorrect eating habits can lead to various health problems, including hiccups after eating in adults. One of these habits is the rapid and irregular absorption of food. When we eat too fast, we swallow large chunks of food, which can irritate the diaphragm and lead to hiccups.

Another wrong habit is wrong posture while eating. If we sit incorrectly or lean forward, this can put pressure on the stomach and cause hiccups after eating. It is recommended to sit straight and not bend over while eating.

Also, bad habits include eating large portions of food and overeating. When we eat too much food at one meal, our stomach can become full, which can cause hiccups. It is recommended to control the portion size and eat in small quantities, but more often.

In addition, eating certain foods can also cause hiccups after eating. For example, spicy and fatty foods can irritate the stomach and cause acid reflux, which can lead to hiccups. It is recommended to avoid such foods and prefer lighter and more moderate meals.

In general, to avoid hiccups after eating, it is important to monitor your eating habits. Eating regularly and slowly, correct posture while eating, controlling portion sizes, and choosing light foods can help prevent this unpleasant phenomenon.

Hotness and spiciness of food

Hotness and spiciness of food is one of the causes of hiccups in adults after eating. Spicy and spicy foods contain substances that can irritate receptors in the esophagus and stomach, causing diaphragm contraction and resulting hiccups.

The spiciness of food is due to the presence of capsaicin, a substance found in peppers and hot peppers. Capsaicin acts on pain and temperature receptors, causing a burning sensation and irritation. When food with hot pepper enters the stomach, capsaicin can cause irritation of the mucous membrane, which leads to diaphragm contraction and hiccups.

In addition to pepper, other foods such as mustard, horseradish, garlic and onions can add spiciness and pepperiness. They contain special chemical compounds that cause irritation of the mucous membrane and can stimulate hiccups.

It is important to note that the reaction to the sharpness and pepperiness of food can be individual. Some people can tolerate spicy and spicy foods without problems, while others may experience hiccups and discomfort with even a small amount of such foods. If hiccups after eating spicy food become a constant occurrence and are accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor to diagnose and treat possible problems with the digestive system.

Increased stomach acidity

Increased stomach acid may be one of the causes of hiccups in adults after eating. The acidity of gastric juice is determined by the level of gastric secretion, which can be increased due to various factors.

One of the causes of increased stomach acid may be gastritis, an inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa. With gastritis, there is a malfunction of the stomach cells, which leads to an increase in the production of acid. This can cause an imbalance between acid and digestive enzymes, which in turn can cause hiccups after eating.

Food poisoning can be another cause of stomach acidity. In food poisoning, the body tries to rid itself of toxins and bacteria, which can cause reflex hiccups. In this case, hiccups may be one of the symptoms of poisoning.

Also, increased acidity of the stomach may be associated with indigestion. Insufficient production of digestive enzymes or a violation of their work can lead to incomplete breakdown of food and increased acidity of the stomach. As a result, eating can cause hiccups in adults.

Nervous tension and stress

Nervous tension and stress may be one of the causes of hiccups in adults after eating. When a person is under stress, their nervous system is put under considerable strain, which can lead to unusual bodily reactions such as hiccups.

Stress can cause an imbalance in the functioning of the nervous system, which in turn can affect the functioning of the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for breathing. This can lead to unusual diaphragm movements and cause hiccups.

In addition, stress can cause changes in lifestyle, including diet. During times of stress, many people may eat quickly and irregularly, which can lead to unusual bodily reactions, including hiccups after eating.

It is important to note that nervous tension and stress can only be one of the causes of hiccups after eating in adults. If the problem becomes persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor for a more detailed examination and determine the specific cause of hiccups.

Stomach acid reflux

Stomach acid reflux is a condition in which the contents of the stomach, including acidic gastric secretions, back up into the esophagus. This may be due to various reasons, such as a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, increased pressure in the stomach, or impaired esophageal motility.

When stomach acid enters the esophagus, it can irritate and inflame the lining of the esophagus. This can lead to various symptoms, including hiccups after eating. Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm that occurs as a result of irritation of the nerve endings in the esophagus.

In adults, stomach acid reflux can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, being overweight, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, and certain medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hiatal hernia.

To reduce the risk of gastric acid reflux and associated symptoms, a healthy lifestyle is recommended, including proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol consumption. If symptoms persist or worsen, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

Diseases of the digestive system

The human digestive system is responsible for the processing of food and the absorption of nutrients. However, sometimes she may encounter various diseases that can cause unpleasant symptoms and disrupt the normal functioning of the body.

One of the common diseases of the digestive system is gastritis. It is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach that can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, stress, drinking alcohol, and smoking. Gastritis can present with symptoms such as stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Another common disease of the digestive system is stomach ulcers. This is damage to the lining of the stomach that is often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptoms of a stomach ulcer may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, and a feeling of fullness after eating.

However, not all diseases of the digestive system are associated with the stomach. For example, cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, which can be caused by the formation of stones in the bile ducts or infection. Symptoms of cholecystitis may include pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Also worth mentioning are diseases of the pancreas such as pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by a variety of factors, including alcohol exhaustion, gallstones, and infections. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and indigestion.

All of these diseases of the digestive system require diagnosis and treatment under medical supervision. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms and seek medical attention in a timely manner to avoid complications and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Q&A:

Why do adults get hiccups after eating?

Hiccups are an unusual contraction of the diaphragm, which is the main muscle of the respiratory system. In adults, hiccups after eating can begin due to various reasons. For example, it can be caused by fast and excessive eating, overeating, drinking carbonated drinks or alcohol, irritation of the diaphragm or nerve fibers, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If hiccups become frequent and prolonged, you should consult a doctor to find out the causes and prescribe treatment.

How can I stop hiccups after eating?

If you get hiccups after eating, there are a few things you can do to help stop them.