Causes - Causes of Hiccups

Most cases occur due to unknown causes.

At other times, a bout may be caused by spicy or hot food, carbonated drinks like soda, nervousness, intense emotions, sudden laughter, fumes, or cold air or water.

Intractable hiccups can be caused by indigestion, a brain tumor that affects the breathing center of the brain, liver or kidney problems, a stroke, asthma, abdominal surgery, pneumonia, excessive consumption of alcohol, or the side effects of medications like muscle relaxants.

They sometimes occur after tickling, smoking, swallowing air, hyperventilation, talking or laughing or a rapid change in body temperature. Some also say that they may be caused by alcohol abuse, a misalignment of the neck vertebrae, reflux, low sodium in the body, irritation of the diaphragm or other neurological problems.