Why do we hiccup?

About this episode

Of all the involuntary spasms the human body has, hiccuping is one of the most peculiar. Sure, it’s funny at first, and in particular if it’s happening to someone else rather than you. But it quickly gets annoying if it doesn’t go away! There are two things to note when you have the hiccups. First, your respiratory muscles, and the diaphragm in particular, contract suddenly and push out air from within our lungs. Secondly, the epiglottis has a role to play. It can be found in the throat, and contracts, stopping air from entering. That’s what causes the vocal cords to vibrate, creating the distinctive hiccuping sound. What’s the best way to avoid getting hiccups? How long can a bout of hiccuping last? What about all the home remedies you hear about for hiccuping? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Does the G spot really exist?⁠ ⁠Is it a good idea to fall asleep to music?⁠ ⁠What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 11/10/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices