Why do we get hiccups?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Diaphragm muscle spasms
Stomach sends air back up — Wrong. While the stomach can send up air as burps, hiccups are caused by the diaphragm muscle below the lungs, not stomach activity.
Diaphragm muscle spasms ✓ — Correct! Hiccups happen when your diaphragm muscle suddenly contracts. This muscle sits below your lungs and controls breathing. When it spasms, you quickly suck in air and your vocal cords snap shut, making the 'hic' sound. Common triggers include eating too fast, carbonated drinks, or sudden temperature changes.
Lungs expand too quickly — Wrong. Hiccups aren't caused by lung expansion. They result from involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle that controls breathing.