Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. This sudden muscle spasm causes air to be rapidly drawn into the lungs, which then hits the closed vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound.

The exact reason our brain triggers this reflex is still unknown, but it can be caused by a variety of factors. Eating too much, drinking carbonated beverages, experiencing strong emotions like excitement or stress, or sudden temperature changes can all lead to hiccups.

Certain medical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, brain tumors, and kidney problems have also been linked to persistent or chronic hiccups.

Some people have suffered from hiccups for years. Charles Osborne holds the Guinness World Record for the longest bout of hiccups, which lasted 68 years from 1922 to 1990, with an estimated 430 million hiccups. Christopher Sands experienced around 10 million hiccups over 27 months from 2007 to 2009, hiccupping every two seconds for 12 hours a day.

While hiccups usually resolve on their own within a few minutes, there are some traditional and scientific remedies that may help stop them. Breathing into a paper bag, sipping ice water, or eating a teaspoon of sugar are some common home remedies. In cases of persistent hiccups, medications like baclofen or gabapentin may be prescribed. In rare cases where hiccups are caused by an underlying condition, treating the root cause can help stop the hiccups.

So while hiccups are a common and often amusing experience, they can also be a sign of a more serious health issue, especially if they last more than 48 hours.

Paying attention to potential triggers and seeking medical attention if needed can help manage this quirky reflex.