Hiccups..

  A hiccup is an unintentional movement (spasm) of the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs. The spasm is followed by quick closing of the vocal cords, which produces a distinctive sound.
Hiccups often start for no apparent reason and usually disappear after a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups can last for days, weeks, or months. Hiccups are common and normal in newborns and infants.


Causes

• Abdominal surgery
• Disease or disorder that irritates the nerves that control the diaphragm (such as pleurisy or pneumonia)
• Hot and spicy foods or liquids
• Harmful fumes
• Stroke or tumor affecting the brain

There may be no obvious cause for hiccups.

Home care

There is no sure way to stop hiccups, but there are a number of common suggestions that may be effective:

• Breathe repeatedly into a paper bag.
• Drink a glass of cold water.
• Eat a teaspoon of sugar.
• Hold your breath.
• sometimes a sudden shock may get rid of hiccups.