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Is It Actually Possible to Stop Hiccups?

April 24, 2026

Hiccups always seem to show up at the worst possible time. And sometimes, there’s nobody around to scare you.

But is there really a way to stop hiccups, or do you just have to let them pass on their own?

We asked Etny Candelario, MD, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group to break it down.

But first, what causes hiccups?

Hiccups happen when your diaphragm suddenly contracts without warning.

“That contraction forces air into your lungs, and your vocal cords snap shut, which creates the ‘hiccup’ sound,” says Dr. Candelario.

That might happen because you ate too quickly or rushed through a carbonated beverage, or it might be something seemingly random like swallowing air or a sudden temperature change in your stomach.

In other words, it’s just your body having an involuntary reaction, even if you didn’t notice anything happening.

> Related: This Is What Dehydration Actually Looks Like

Do home remedies actually work?

Here’s the honest answer: sometimes.

“Many hiccup remedies are designed to interrupt the nerve signals that cause the diaphragm to spasm,” says Dr. Candelario.

Holding your breath, sipping cold water or gently pulling your knees to your chest may help reset the diaphragm.

But there’s no guaranteed fix.

“Most of the time, you just have to wait for hiccups to stop on their own,” Dr. Candelario says.

When should you worry?

Most hiccups are harmless and disappear within a few minutes.

But that isn’t always the case. Hiccups that last more than 48 hours — known as persistent hiccups — may signal an underlying issue.

“If hiccups are prolonged, painful or interfering with eating or sleeping, it’s time to see a doctor,” says Dr. Candelario.

It’s rare, but ongoing hiccups can be linked to nerve irritation, medication side effects or other medical conditions.

> Related: Why Your Stomach Hurts And What It Could Mean

So, can you really stop hiccups?

It is possible, but not a guarantee. More often than not, they stop when they’re ready.

Luckily, occasional hiccups are normal and shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

“If they’re brief and infrequent, they’re simply part of how the body responds to certain triggers,” says Dr. Candelario.