Caused by alcohol

Alcohol is also a possible cause of hiccups. High-proof alcohol is often mixed with carbonated drinks such as cola or sprite and drunk together. The high level of carbonic acid causes the stomach to become over-inflated, which leads to irritation of the diaphragm and the associated phrenic nerve.

As a consequence hiccups occur. The same mechanism occurs when drinking beer. Even clear, high-proof alcohol can cause hiccups.

In this case it leads to a nerve irritation, which in turn leads to hiccups. At the same time, the alcohol is often drunk cold. Cold drinks are also possible causes of hiccups, even if they are not alcoholic drinks.

If alcohol is drunk regularly and in large quantities, the stomach can become acidic. It is possible that this acid then flows backwards towards the oesophagus, where it irritates the mucous membrane. If a so-called reflux occurs more frequently, this can lead to an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus. This inflammation is also a possible cause of hiccups.

Causes by smoking

Smoking can also be a cause of hiccups. Cigarette smoke causes irritation of the mucous membrane in the lung area. This leads to a cramping closure of the glottis in the area of the larynx and to tension of the diaphragm muscles, which causes the typical hiccups.

The irritation of the esophageal mucosa by the toxic cigarette smoke can also lead to hiccups. It is possible that too much air is swallowed simultaneously with the inhalation of cigarette smoke. The air causes the stomach to become bloated and thus leads to nerve irritation of the diaphragm, resulting in hiccups. Since smoking has a damaging effect on the body cells and can cause cancer, an advanced stage of cancer may also be a cause of hiccups. If a tumor develops near the diaphragm and touches the diaphragm through increasing growth and possible infiltration, the phrenic nerve of the diaphragm is directly irritated by the tumor and possibly leads to hiccups.