Things That May Trigger Hiccups

A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm, a muscle below the lungs, moves involuntarily. This spasm causes the vocal cords to close rapidly, triggering the hiccup sound. Generally, hiccups go away after a few minutes.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of common triggers:

* Abdominal surgery.
* Conditions, such as pneumonia or pleurisy, that affect the nerves of the diaphragm.
* Drinking or eating spicy things.
* Inhaling noxious fumes.
* Having a stroke or tumor that affects the "hiccup center" of the brain.

source: businessweek

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