Why do you hiccup a lot?

Answer 1

The physical reason we hiccup is due to sudden contractions of muscles used for respiration, specifically to inhale. As the muscles begin to move, the glottis snaps shut and closes off the windpipe, causing the 'hic' noise associated with hiccups. The science world is still trying to work out the actual purpose of hiccups, suggested theories are: that it's a link to our evolutionary past as water dwelling creatures; that unborn babies hiccup either as a way to prepare the respiratory muscles for breathing after birth or to keep amniotic fluid out of the lungs whilst still in the womb; that it helps mammals learn to suckle (the sequence of muscle movements required for both suckling and hiccuping are very similar). None of these theories have been proved as yet.

Answer 2

When the air rushing in hits your voice box, your vocal cords close suddenly and you're left with a big hiccup. Some things that irritate the diaphragm are eating too quickly or too much, an irritation in the stomach or the throat, or feeling nervous or excited. Almost all cases of the hiccups last only a few minutes.

Answer 3

A hiccup is caused when there is a spasm in your diaphragm, people who hiccup a lot (I get the hiccups at least 5 times a day) have a problem with their diaphragm.