What causes hiccups and how do you stop them?

Hiccups are caused by involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, the muscle beneath your lungs that controls breathing. When the diaphragm contracts suddenly, it causes a rapid intake of air that snaps your vocal cords shut, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. Common triggers include eating too fast, swallowing air, drinking carbonated beverages, sudden temperature changes in the stomach, or excitement and stress. Most hiccups stop on their own within a few minutes. Common remedies include holding your breath, breathing into a paper bag, drinking water slowly, or swallowing sugar. These work by increasing carbon dioxide in the blood or stimulating the vagus nerve, which helps reset the diaphragm's rhythm. Persistent hiccups lasting more than 48 hours warrant medical attention, as they can signal an underlying condition.