Hiccups are sudden, automatic compressions of the stomach (diaphragm) which happen in the similar time as a constriction of the voice box (larynx) and entire closing of the glottis, successfully blocking air consumption. 
Causes:
The most common triggers for hiccups that last less than 48 hours include:
- Drinking carbonated beverages
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating too much
- Excitement or emotional stress
- Sudden temperature changes
- Swallowing air with chewing gum or sucking on candy
What do do?
Fortunately, most episodes of hiccups go away after just a few minutes. When they are more persistent, doctors recommend various treatments — although most of these are closer to folklore than scientifically proven therapies:
- stimulating the back of the throat by poking it with a long cotton swab, pulling on your tongue, swallowing a spoonful of dry granulated sugar, gargling, sipping ice water, or biting on a lemon
- rubbing the back of the neck
- Interrupting your normal breathing cycle by holding your breath, breathing into a paper bag, or pulling your knees up to your chest and leaning forward
- having someone prepared to distract you when hiccups return, by scaring you or telling you a really good joke.
