Hiccups in Grand Rapids, MI: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor

Hiccups (sometimes spelled “hiccoughs”) are sudden, involuntary sounds caused by spasms of the diaphragm. In Grand Rapids, MI, most people experience brief, harmless hiccups from time to time, often after eating or drinking. However, persistent hiccups can sometimes signal an underlying health problem and may require evaluation at a local clinic or hospital such as Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

What Are Hiccups?

The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located beneath your lungs. It works with the muscles between your ribs (intercostal muscles) to help you breathe.

  • During a hiccup, the diaphragm suddenly contracts (spasms).
  • This spasm causes you to quickly suck air into your lungs.
  • At the same moment, a flap of tissue in your throat called the epiglottis snaps shut.
  • The rapid closure of the epiglottis produces the familiar “hic” sound.

Most hiccup episodes in adults and children in Grand Rapids last only a few minutes and go away on their own.

Symptoms of Hiccups

The main symptoms of hiccups include:

  • A sharp contraction or spasm just below the breastbone (in the upper abdomen or lower chest)
  • A sudden intake of breath
  • An audible “hic” sound as the epiglottis closes

These symptoms tend to occur in a repeated, rhythmic pattern—every few seconds—until the episode resolves.

What Causes Hiccups?

The diaphragm is controlled by nerves that run from the brain to the chest and abdomen. Hiccups occur when something irritates or overstimulates these nerves, causing the diaphragm to spasm.

In many cases, the exact cause is unknown and there may be no clear trigger. However, certain everyday habits and conditions commonly seen among Grand Rapids residents can bring on hiccups.

Common Triggers of Hiccups

  • Eating too quickly
  • Eating large meals
  • Hot or spicy foods (common in comfort foods during cold Michigan winters)
  • Indigestion or acid reflux
  • Overconsumption of alcohol
  • Carbonated or fizzy drinks (soda, sparkling water, beer)
  • Cigarette smoking or vaping
  • Sudden temperature changes (for example, going from cold outdoor air into a warm home or restaurant in winter)
  • Stress, anxiety, or excitement
  • Strong or unpleasant odors

Special Considerations

  • Pregnancy – Pressure from the growing uterus on the diaphragm can trigger hiccups.
  • Medications – Certain drugs, including some epilepsy medications and other central nervous system drugs, can make hiccups more likely.
  • Nicotine products – Cigarette smoking or nicotine gum can irritate the esophagus and stomach, contributing to hiccups.

Are Hiccups Dangerous?

Most hiccups are harmless and short-lived. They usually stop within a few minutes and do not require medical treatment.

However, hiccups that last for more than 48 hours, or that are severe enough to interfere with eating, drinking, or sleeping, may indicate an underlying medical problem. In these cases, it’s important to seek care from a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids.

Local options include:

  • Primary care clinics affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • The Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for guidance and referrals

Self-Help Strategies for Short-Term Hiccups

For brief, occasional hiccups, many people find relief with simple home remedies. While scientific evidence is limited, these strategies are generally safe for healthy adults:

  • Hold your breath for a short time, then slowly exhale.
  • Take slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
  • Breathe into a paper bag for a short period (do not use a plastic bag; avoid if you have heart or lung problems).
  • Drink a glass of water slowly, taking small sips.
  • Eat a spoonful of sugar and let it dissolve slowly in your mouth.
  • Suck on a lemon or sip a small amount of lemon juice.
  • Eat a bit of fresh ginger or drink ginger tea.
  • Have a warm drink, such as hot water with honey.
  • Eat a few small pieces of ice or let ice chips melt in your mouth.
  • Gargle with cold water.
  • Sit down and lean forward over your knees to gently compress your diaphragm.

Some people also try being startled or “scared” to stop hiccups, but this is not a reliable or medically recommended method.

When Hiccups May Be a Sign of Disease

Persistent or frequent hiccups—especially when they last for days or weeks—may be associated with underlying medical conditions. In Grand Rapids, doctors at local health systems may evaluate for:

  • Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
  • Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs)
  • Pneumonia (lung infection)
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Neurological conditions, such as:
    • Stroke
    • Brain tumors
    • Brain injury affecting the area that controls the diaphragm
  • Lung disorders that affect breathing muscles
  • Complications after surgery, especially:
    • Abdominal surgery
    • Chest surgery
  • Medication side effects, including:
    • Certain epilepsy medications
    • Some chemotherapy drugs
    • Other medications that affect the brain, nerves, or stomach

In West Michigan, seasonal respiratory infections—especially in fall and winter—can sometimes lead to complications like pneumonia or pleurisy, which may be associated with persistent hiccups.

Medical Treatment for Persistent Hiccups in Grand Rapids

If you have hiccups that last more than 48 hours, or if they keep coming back, a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids will typically:

  1. Review your medical history
    • Recent illnesses, surgeries, or injuries
    • Current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and nicotine products
  2. Perform a physical examination
    • Focus on the chest, abdomen, and nervous system
  3. Order tests if needed
    • Blood tests
    • Imaging (such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI)
    • Endoscopy to look at the esophagus and stomach, if indicated

Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause:

  • Adjusting current medications
    • Changing the dose
    • Switching to a different drug
  • Treating related conditions
    • Managing GERD or esophagitis
    • Treating pneumonia, pleurisy, or thyroid problems
    • Managing kidney disease or neurological conditions

If no clear cause is found and hiccups are severe or persistent, your provider may recommend:

  • Anti-spasmodic medications to calm the diaphragm
  • Other prescription medications that act on the nerves involved in hiccups
  • Nasogastric tube (NG tube) – a tube placed through the nose into the stomach in some hospital settings to help relieve pressure
  • Nerve block procedures – in rare, severe cases, a nerve block or even surgery to cut some of the nerves supplying the diaphragm may be considered

These advanced treatments are usually managed by specialists at major Grand Rapids hospitals, such as Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about frequent or prolonged hiccups, you can:

  • Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider in Grand Rapids.
  • Contact local health systems:
    • Spectrum Health primary care and internal medicine clinics
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids outpatient clinics
    • Metro Health and Mercy Health family medicine practices
  • Reach out to the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information on community clinics and low-cost care options.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Seek urgent or emergency care at a Grand Rapids emergency department or urgent care if:

  • Hiccups last more than 48 hours, especially if they are worsening.
  • Hiccups are accompanied by:
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Severe headache
    • Weakness, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping (possible stroke symptoms)
    • High fever, cough, or severe pain with breathing
    • Vomiting or inability to keep food and fluids down

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition that needs prompt evaluation.

Key Points to Remember

  • Hiccups are involuntary sounds caused by spasms of the diaphragm and closure of the epiglottis.
  • Most hiccups are harmless and resolve on their own within a few minutes.
  • The cause of hiccups is often unknown, but common triggers include eating too quickly, spicy foods, fizzy drinks, alcohol, smoking, stress, and sudden temperature changes—especially relevant in Michigan’s cold winters.
  • Self-help strategies such as holding your breath, sipping water slowly, or breathing into a paper bag may help stop short-term hiccups.
  • Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours, or those that interfere with daily life, can be a sign of underlying disease and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
  • In rare, severe cases, surgery or nerve procedures may be considered, but most persistent hiccups can be managed with medication and treatment of the underlying cause.

If you live in Grand Rapids, MI, and are worried about ongoing hiccups, contact your local doctor or one of the city’s major health systems for a professional evaluation.