Hiccups

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Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Treatment Prevention Self-care Complementary and alternative medicine

Introduction

Almost everyone has had hiccups. Some people even have them before they're born. "Singultus" is the medical term for hiccups, derived from the Latin word "singult," which means the act of catching your breath while sobbing, an apt description of the way hiccups sound. Although they can be embarrassing — especially if the "hic" pops out of your mouth in a quiet room or during a meeting — hiccups are rarely cause for concern.

Often, there's no obvious cause for hiccups. Sometimes they may be the result of eating a large meal, drinking a carbonated beverage or sudden excitement. Rarely, hiccups may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Hiccups usually disappear on their own. If your hiccups don't go away after a few minutes, home remedies may help. If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours or if they are so severe that they interfere with eating or breathing, see your doctor.

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Signs and symptoms