What Causes Hiccups?

Swallowing Air

What goes into the body must come out in one form or another. Recent scientific research hypothesizes that hiccups can be caused by a bodily reflex to air trapped in the stomach, which helps a breastfeeding infant make room for a meal. For adults, researchers theorize swallowing air initiates the same kind of action as a 'leftover' mechanism from infanthood. In any case, swallowed air must be eliminated from the body somehow. Swallowed air is typically eliminated as gas from the anus or as a belch, but when the system is overloaded with swallowed air then hiccups can function as a mechanism of release. One common way individuals often swallow air is through chewing gum. Others include gulping, drinking carbonated beverages, and more.