Why do hiccups hurt my chest? 4 reasons for chest pain

From standing on your head and pressing your head to breathing through a paper bag and chewing on a lemon, people will do almost anything to get rid of hiccups.

The sudden, involuntary sound seems to come out of nowhere, but in reality, hiccups are usually caused when something irritates your diaphragm, the muscle below your lungs that’s essential for breathing. When you suddenly cramp, your vocal cords close, producing that sound we all know so well.

Although most hiccups are harmless and go away quickly, some can be painful or persistent. To understand why, experts suggest paying attention to other symptoms that may accompany those strange little squeaks.

A burning problem

Persistent hiccups accompanied by trouble swallowing or a burning sensation in the chest can be a sign of esophageal irritation, Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, an internal medicine specialist.

Your esophagus — the muscular tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach — can be irritated by a number of things, including vomiting, certain medications, and even spicy or hard foods like chips, popcorn, or nuts.

Conditions such as esophagitis, which causes inflammation in the esophagus, can also cause painful hiccups. Since the esophagus passes through the diaphragm on its way to the stomach, any irritation can cause spasms, resulting in those pesky hiccups, according to Ungerleider.

“A gentle massage of the diaphragm along the rib cage is a good way to try and resolve hiccups,” Vincent Pedre, a functional medicine specialist, told Well and Good. If your symptoms last more than a few days, it’s time to see a doctor.

Sour taste, burning sensation

If your hiccups don’t stop, it could be a sign of something more chronic: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD.

Indigestion occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, irritating the diaphragm and causing involuntary muscle spasms. GERD often causes a burning sensation in the chest while lying down or eating, along with a sour taste in the mouth.

Some people are more prone to experiencing hiccups than others.

“The reasons for this are unclear, but it may be due to anatomical differences such as the location of the stomach in relation to the diaphragm, as this can cause stomach irritation to cause hiccups,” said Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician. USA Today.

The good news is that lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet or weight loss can ease GERD symptoms. Over-the-counter antacids can also provide relief, but if symptoms persist, it’s worth checking with your doctor.

A very good thing

Exercise is usually a healthy habit, but strenuous activity can lead to increased and rapid contractions of the diaphragm, causing painful hiccups.

For high-level athletes, the risk is even higher. Stronger diaphragms can rupture more intensely, leading to even more painful hiccups, said Dr. Zachary Bittinger, a family medicine physician, told PopSugar.

Moderate or vigorous exercise can also worsen GERD symptoms such as acid reflux.

“Whenever you do anything strenuous, your stomach can tighten, causing the contents to flow up,” Eitan Rubinstein, a gastroenterologist, told SELF. “If you’re breathing hard enough, your lungs are expanding and you can pull reflux material into the esophagus.”

Fortunately, some rest and relaxation can help ease the strain and calm those stubborn spasms.

A real pain in the chest

If you have recently injured your chest or ribs, your hiccups may be more painful due to irritation in the affected area. That’s especially true if you’re dealing with a persistent cough, according to Ungerleider.

In rare cases, frequent hiccups can be a sign of something dangerous. For example, Ungerleider said pneumonia or other lung infections such as bronchitis or cystic fibrosis can inflame the tissue around the diaphragm and lungs, leading to painful hiccups.

For a cough that lasts more than a few days, or if you have trouble breathing or chest pain that gets worse with activity, Ungerleider recommends seeing a doctor.