Why do we get hiccups?

Hic! …Hic! There it goes again. You did not try to make that sound, and you cannot stop it. So where do hiccups come from?

A big breathing muscle

Under your lungs lives a wide, flat muscle called the diaphragm. You cannot see it, but it works hard every time you breathe. When you breathe in, it pulls down to make room for air. When you breathe out, it pushes back up.

Most of the time it moves in a smooth, gentle rhythm, like slow waves.

When the muscle twitches

Sometimes the diaphragm gets a little surprise and gives a sudden twitch. This can happen if you eat too fast, gulp fizzy drinks, or laugh a lot.

When it twitches, it sucks in air very quickly. At the same time, a small flap at the top of your throat snaps shut to stop the rush. Snap! That quick closing makes the famous “hic!” sound.

Making them stop

Hiccups almost always go away on their own. People try sips of water, holding their breath, or breathing slowly to calm the busy diaphragm. Hiccups are harmless — just your body being a little silly!

Wonder fact: Even babies hiccup before they are born, right inside their mum’s tummy. It may be practice for breathing later!