Hiccups can be inconvenient, but they are usually brief. Some people, however, may have recurring episodes of persistent hiccups. Persistent hiccups, also known as chronic hiccups, are episodes that last more than 48 hours. Hiccups are, at their most basic, a reflex. It occurs when the diaphragm contracts suddenly, causing the muscles in the chest and abdomen to tremble. The glottis, or the part of the throat containing the vocal cords, then closes. It produces the sound of the air force of the lungs or the "snag" sound associated with hiccups.
What causes hiccups when you drink alcohol?
Does alcohol cause hiccups for two reasons, both of which have to do with how your body digests alcohol. Carbonation dilates your stomach when you drink something carbonated, such as beer or champagne. This stretching can irritate your diaphragm, the C-shaped muscle that sits above and around your abdomen. A hiccup occurs when your diaphragm contracts involuntarily.

There's also the acid reflux explanation. The tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle ring that connects the esophagus to the stomach, is reduced by alcohol. The sphincter can release stomach contents into the esophagus when it has less tone. If the esophagus becomes irritated, it can irritate the diaphragm, causing the hiccups to return. Some doctors believe hiccups are due to changes in brain chemistry. But the doctor says the theory is not well understood, and he is unsure whether it is correct. Alcohol may "pull a safety thread," affecting the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to various organs, including the diaphragm.

Does alcohol cause hiccups by several diseases, the most common of which are stomach or esophageal problems. And, like anything else, the doctor believes that some people are genetically predisposed to hiccups more freque ntly.
The onset of hiccups:
There is no way to predict the onset of hiccups. Each spasm precedes by a slight tightening of the chest or throat before the characteristic sound of hiccups. The majority of hiccups occur suddenly and for no apparent reason. Episodes are typically only a few minutes long. Hiccups that last for more than 48 hours are considered persistent. Hiccups that last more than two months are to be intractable or crucial to managing.
How should hiccups be treated?
Because the precise cause of hiccups is unknown, some remedies may or may not work. These at-home treatments will not harm you, so you should try them. Home remedies include:
- Rub the eyeballs gently.
- Gargle with water.
- Pull the tab gently. Laughter.
- Take a deep breath.
- Inhale through a paper bag.
- Quickly consume water.
- Consume caster sugar, dry bread, or crushed ice.
When should I consult a physician?
You probably don't need to see a doctor if your hiccups last a few minutes to a few hours. However, if the hiccups persist for more than usually two, you should notice them. When hiccups occur in conjunction with other symptoms such as a headache, difficulty maintaining balance, or numbness, it could be a sign of something more serious. If you have these symptoms along with hiccups, see your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Complications of hiccups:
A long-term bout of hiccups can be inconvenient and even dangerous to your health. Prolonged hiccups can disrupt sleep and eating if left untreated, resulting in:
- exhaustion
- dehydration
- malnutrition
- slimming down
- insomnia.