• Question: how are hiccups caused? :)

    Asked by reem to Amy, Karen, Sarah, Vijay, Will on 11 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Amy Birch

      Amy Birch answered on 11 Jun 2012:

      Hi reem! Hiccups are caused by a spasm in your diaphragm, which is a muscle below your lungs that helps you breathe. When this muscle contracts normally, it opens up the chest more so there is extra space for your lungs to fill up. When the diaphragm contracts suddenly (in a spasm), your lungs open up and air rushes in quickly, making you hiccup.

    • Photo: Karen Reed

      Karen Reed answered on 11 Jun 2012:

      Can’t top Amy’s answer. I get hiccups if I cough suddenly sometimes – its the trigger that sets the diaphragm into spasm

    • Photo: Sarah Martin

      Sarah Martin answered on 11 Jun 2012:

      Hi Reem! Great question! Amy’s answer is top. I get hiccups when I get cold, and they can last really long! Do you get them much?

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