Hiccups are a common symptom in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Usually hiccups only last for a few minutes, but in some cases they last for 1–2 days, and in some cases, hiccups with gastroesophageal reflux last for years.

Hiccups are a normal physiological phenomenon in fetuses. All fetus can experience hiccups, which are considered a developmental milestone in their growth. Pregnant women can feel when their fetus has hiccups. If not paying close attention, mothers might mistake them for the baby’s movements.

Hiccups are a common occurrence caused by involuntary spasms of the diaphragm, the muscle located between the chest and abdomen. When the diaphragm spasms, the vocal cords quickly close, producing the characteristic sound of hiccups.