Prevention of Hiccups

You cannot always prevent hiccups, but a few habits lower the chance of bouts.

Eating and drinking

• Eat slowly and chew well.
• Choose smaller meals instead of very large ones.
• Limit fizzy drinks and alcohol.
• Avoid very hot food followed immediately by very cold drinks.
• Do not gulp air with chewing gum or sweets.

Daily habits

• Manage stress and avoid sudden excitement during meals.
• Sit upright while eating, and avoid lying down right after a meal.
• Keep a healthy weight, which reduces reflux.
• Avoid smoking.

If you have reflux

Treat it properly. Raise the head of the bed, avoid late meals and follow your doctor's advice.

If hiccups come with a medicine

Do not stop the medicine on your own, but tell your doctor if hiccups started after a new one.

For babies

Feed in a calm environment, hold the baby upright, burp during and after feeds and avoid overfeeding. Do not give honey to a baby under 12 months.

After surgery

Tell your care team if hiccups continue, so that they can check for a cause.

Know your own triggers

If hiccups follow a particular food or drink, note it and cut back on it for a few weeks.

Key point

Slow, moderate eating and managing reflux prevent most episodes.

Before your appointment

Note when the hiccups began, how long they last, what seems to trigger or ease them, and whether they disturb sleep or eating. List all medicines, alcohol use, recent surgery and any reflux, chest pain, weakness or breathing trouble. Bring past reports. Ask about tests, treatment options and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.