1 Answer

The most common triggers for short-term hiccups include:

• Eating too much


• Drinking carbonated beverages


• Drinking too much alcohol


• Sudden temperature changes


• Excitement or emotional stress

Hiccups that last more than 48 hours may be caused by a variety of factors, which are generally grouped into the following categories:

Nerve damage or irritation 
The most common cause of long-term hiccups is damage or irritation of the vagus nerves or phrenic nerves, which serve the diaphragm muscle. Factors that may cause damage or irritation to these nerves include:

• A hair or something else in your ear touching your eardrum


• Sore throat or laryngitis


• A tumor, cyst or goiter in your neck


• Gastroesophageal reflux

Central nervous system disorders 
A tumor or infection in your central nervous system or damage to your central nervous system as a result of trauma can disrupt your body's normal control of the hiccup reflex. Examples include:

• Stroke


• Multiple sclerosis


• Tumors


• Meningitis


• Encephalitis


• Traumatic brain injury

Metabolic disorders and drugs 
Long-term hiccups can be triggered by:

• Alcoholism


• Anesthesia


• Barbiturates


• Diabetes


• Electrolyte imbalance


• Kidney failure


• Steroids


• Tranquilizers