Hiccups after drinking alcohol are a common experience often shown in movies and real life. These hiccups happen because of a complex reflex involving nerves and the diaphragm. Dr Prashanth B Gandhi, a gastroenterologist from Pranushre Gastro Clinic in Bengaluru, explains that alcohol triggers hiccups through several ways. Drinking alcohol, especially quickly or in large amounts, causes the stomach to expand. It also irritates the stomach lining, increases acid production, and affects the nervous system. Certain drinks like beer and sparkling wines cause more hiccups because they contain carbon dioxide. Drinking on an empty stomach or eating spicy and oily foods can make the problem worse. While most alcohol-related hiccups are harmless and go away quickly, hiccups lasting more than 48 hours may signal a serious medical condition and require medical attention.
Why Alcohol Triggers Hiccups and When to Seek Help
Alcohol causes hiccups through gastric distension, mucosal irritation, and central nervous system effects. When consumed quickly, it expands the stomach, irritating the vagus nerve and triggering the hiccup reflex. Alcohol also increases gastric acid secretion, inflaming the stomach and oesophagus lining. Beer and carbonated drinks are the most common culprits because carbon dioxide bubbles stretch the stomach further. Drinking on an empty stomach worsens the effect as alcohol absorbs faster and irritates more. Spicy and oily foods add to the problem by activating nerve receptors. Most hiccups are harmless, but persistent hiccups lasting over 48 hours may indicate neurological issues like brainstem lesions, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Medical care is needed if hiccups interfere with daily activities or accompany other symptoms.
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