US Medical Term · symptoms
Hiccups
Hipo
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Hiccups |
| Spanish (Español) | Hipo |
| Chinese (中文) | 打嗝 |
| Korean (한국어) | 딸꾹질 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nấc cụt |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Singhap |
| Portuguese (Português) | Soluços |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | สะอึก |
| Japanese (日本語) | しゃっくり |
What it means
Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic sound. Brief episodes lasting a few minutes are common and usually triggered by eating too quickly, swallowing air, hot or spicy food, or alcohol. Hiccups that last more than 48 hours are called persistent hiccups and require medical evaluation. Hiccups lasting more than a month are called intractable. Persistent hiccups can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux, phrenic nerve irritation, central nervous system disorders, metabolic abnormalities, or medications. They can significantly impair eating, sleep, and quality of life.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I've had hiccups that won't stop for the past two days.
Llevo dos días con hipo que no se me quita.
The hiccups come in bouts throughout the day and are keeping me from eating.
El hipo viene en episodios durante todo el día y no me deja comer.
I've tried everything to stop the hiccups but nothing is working.
He intentado de todo para detener el hipo, pero nada funciona.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R06 Abnormalities of breathingRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026