What causes hiccups?

Hiccups occur when there are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, causing the vocal cords to close suddenly, producing a “hiccup”.

They can result from a large meal, carbonated beverages, alcohol or even sudden excitement. Hiccups usually only last a few minutes to a few hours, but rarely can persist for days.

If your hiccups last more than 48 continuous hours, it is time to see a medical professional. Patriot Urgent Care can provide an initial assessment to help discover the cause of your prolonged hiccups and referral to a specialist if needed. Find a nearby urgent care to be seen today.