Hiccups are caused by a sudden and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle, followed by the sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic "hic" sound. The exact cause of hiccups is not always known, but common triggers include eating or drinking too quickly, swallowing air while eating or drinking, sudden changes in temperature, stress or excitement, digestive issues, and irritants in the airways. In most cases, hiccups are harmless and go away on their own, but if they persist for an extended period of time or are accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
