9 reasons why you can’t stop hiccups

Whether it’s a minor “hiccup” or a hiccup, we all get hiccups from our mouths from time to time.

This is one of the ways your digestive system releases gas—burping basically occurs when air from your stomach flows from your esophagus back into your mouth.

According to research published in 2020, burping up to 30 times a day is normal.

But if the hiccups happen too often, they can become annoying. According to the health department, it is considered excessive if:

• Affect your quality of life
• Interfere with your daily activities
• recurring

This can happen for a number of reasons, some as simple as eating too fast or chewing gum.

But in some cases, frequent burping can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or even stomach cancer.

Here are nine reasons why you might be suffering from hiccups.

1. You have acid reflux

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is caused by stomach acid traveling up the throat and causing a burning sensation.

You may also notice an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, and people with the condition may also experience frequent burping, according to guidance from the NHS.

The NHS will talk to your pharmacist who may recommend medicines such as antacids or alginates to help relieve your symptoms.

But if you have heartburn most of the time for three weeks or more, you should see your GP.

2. You binge drink carbonated drinks

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, soda, beer, and other sparkling drinks are full of gas, which can increase the amount of air in your stomach.

Not surprisingly, you’ll burp as the air in them crawls back down your throat.

If you guzzle soda and find yourself burping, this may be a sign to cut back on your soda consumption.

3. You are eating gas-producing vegetables

Some foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, produce more gas when digested, causing you to burp more than usual.

According to health reports, they include:

4. You swallow too much air

This may sound silly, but some people really do swallow too much air.

The condition, known as aerophagia, which means “eating air,” can occur when eating quickly, drinking drinks, chewing gum, smoking and wearing loose dentures, according to the Hopkins School of Medicine .

5. You have gastritis

Gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining becomes red and swollen.

The NHS says it can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including burping and farting. You may also encounter:

• Stomachache
• indigestion
• feeling full
• nausea
• Vomit

If your abdominal pain or indigestion lasts for more than a week, or if your abdominal pain is getting worse or recurring, you should see your GP.

6. You have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Regarding abdominal issues, irritable bowel syndrome may also be a cause of hiccups.

It can cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, which tend to come and go for days, weeks, or months at a time.

The best way to manage this lifelong condition is through dietary changes and medication – if you develop symptoms of IBS, talk to your GP.

7. Your meal is too big

We all hiccup after a particularly hearty feast.

Eating too many meals is another activity that can increase gas in your digestive tract.

8. Too many bacteria in the small intestine

According to Patient.info, one in seven people is thought to have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), but it is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It is caused by bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

When this bacteria breaks down food it produces excess gas, causing burping, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea and nausea.

SIBO can also cause food intolerances to dairy, eggs, wheat, gluten, corn, and soy.

It can also affect the skin, with studies showing that people with acne are 10 times more likely to develop SIBO, while people with rosacea may also suffer from bacterial overgrowth.

If you have symptoms of SIBO, see your GP.

9. You have stomach cancer

In rare cases, excessive burping may be caused by stomach cancer.

Symptoms can be hard to spot, but the NHS says they can affect your digestive system, causing:

• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Dysphagia (dysphagia)
• feeling or sick
• Symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot
• Feel full quickly when eating

Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite or weight loss without trying
• There is a lump on the top of the belly
• pain in top of abdomen
• Feeling tired or low on energy

These symptoms are very similar to those caused by other gastrointestinal conditions, and having them does not necessarily mean you have cancer.

But it’s important to see your GP if your usual gastrointestinal symptoms change, worsen or don’t feel normal.

If your symptoms are caused by cancer, early detection can make the disease easier to treat.