7 Causes of Hiccups And 12 Ways To Relieve Them

7. More Serious Conditions

Hiccups usually do not last long, and they typically go away on their own. In the majority of cases, they are at worst annoying. However, if your hiccups last for more than 48 hours, this may actually be a cause for concern. It may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Long-term hiccups may be caused by irritation of or damage to the vagus nerve or phrenic nerve, which may be due to sore throat or laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux, or a tumor, cyst or goiter in your neck, among other things. Central nervous disorders may also disrupt your body’s hiccup reflex. Some of these disorders include meningitis, encephalitis, tumors, or stroke. It is important to see a medical expert if you experience prolonged hiccups.