Picture this: you’re midway through a fun chat with friends or enjoying a big plate of biryani when <HIC> that sudden, jerky sound kicks in. At first, it’s amusing. Then it gets plain annoying, especially when it won’t quit. Social media is full of wild fixes like silently telling yourself, “I’m not a fish!” to make them vanish. But what’s really behind hiccups, and which tricks work? Neurologist Dr. Prashant Makhija sees this question daily. Let’s cut through the noise with simple, real answers you can use next time they strike.
Hiccups happen when your diaphragm– the big breathing muscle under your lungs, suddenly spasms. Your vocal cords snap shut fast right after, creating that sharp “hic” noise. Nerves from your brain to your diaphragm and throat control this reflex. A full stomach, fizzy drinks, or even laughter can irritate those nerves and set off the spasms.
Common triggers are ones you’ve probably noticed yourself. Eating too fast or too many presses your stomach against the diaphragm. Carbonated sodas, lassi, or beer add gas that stretches things out. Switching from hot chai to ice-cold water shocks the nerves. Big laughs, excitement, stress, or chewing gum (which makes you swallow extra air) can all spark it too. The good news? Most hiccups fade on their own within a few minutes.
Now about that viral TikTok trick: repeating “I’m not a fish, I don’t have gills.” It’s entertaining, but there’s zero science saying fish thoughts calm your diaphragm. That said, distraction can help some people. When you focus hard on counting backward from 100 by 7s or reciting a silly rhyme, your brain might interrupt the spasm loop. Think of it like changing the radio station during static– the hiccup signal gets drowned out. Dr. Makhija calls this a possible placebo effect or lucky mental shift. It’s harmless to try, but don’t count on it as your go-to fix.
Better options focus on resetting those irritated nerves. Hold your breath for 10-20 seconds, carbon dioxide builds up in your lungs and helps relax the diaphragm. Sip ice-cold water slowly or gargle it to stimulate throat nerves. Swallow something sticky like sugar, honey, peanut butter, or even a bite of jaggery to change your swallowing rhythm. Breathe into a paper bag (never plastic) for a CO2 boost. Or gently pull your knees to your chest, which shifts pressure on the muscle. These tricks work for many by nudging the reflex in a new direction. Dr. Makhija suggests starting with breath-holding; it’s simple and effective for most.
Short hiccups are no big worry. But if they last over 48 hours, see a doctor. They might point to acid reflux irritating nerves, ongoing stomach issues, or even medication side effects. If you can’t eat, sleep, or talk comfortably, don’t wait it out.
Fun fact: some scientists believe hiccups are an evolutionary leftover from fish-like ancestors switching between gills and lungs. That’s why the “fish” meme caught on, and it ties into that quirky theory. Today, though, it’s mostly just a harmless reflex.
Dr. Makhija sums it up perfectly: Hiccups come from diaphragm spasms triggered by everyday irritants like food or excitement. Skip the unproven social media fads and try breath tricks or cold water first. If they persist, get checked. Next time that “hic” hits during dinner or a meeting, you’ll handle it with calm confidence.