Most of the time, a case of the hiccups is short-lived and not a matter of great concern. This involuntary spasm of the diaphragm muscle can be the result of eating a large meal, drinking carbonated drinks like soda and beer, or from smelling strong fumes. When hiccups occur regularly for longer periods of time and do not subside easily, the muscle spasms may be caused by a more serious medical condition. Treating the underlying illness or disorder will cause continuous hiccups to cease.
Nerve Irritation
Nerve irritation is one of the most common causes of hiccups. The nerve that relays messages to and from the diaphragm muscle is called the phrenic nerve, according to Dr. Williiam Whitelaw, a professor at the University of Calgary. Irritation of the phrenic nerve, either temporary or more permanent, can cause hiccups. Nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease may also disrupt the normal functioning of the diaphragm and can cause hiccups. Abnormal growths, such as tumors or goiters that compress the phrenic nerve or the central nervous system, may also lead to hiccups.
Brain Injury
Sustaining a brain injury, such as surviving a traumatic accident, may alter the way the nervous system delivers messages to the diaphragm and can result in long-term hiccups. Swelling in the brain may produce similar results, according to Mayo Clinic. Encephalitis, meningitis and stroke are all examples of serious, underlying causes of brain injury that may lead to hiccups.
Metabolic Conditions
Several metabolic conditions may manifest themselves in part by long-lasting hiccups, explains Dr. Whitelaw explains in his November 2007 article in "Scientific American." Metabolic conditions are disorders in which the body does not process substances properly, such as diabetes (the processing of sugar) and kidney failure (the processing of waste products). People who suffer from these conditions may show symptoms of hiccups.
Abdominal Surgery
People who have had surgery in the abdominal area may suffer from hiccups, according to the National Institutes of Health. The reason for hiccups in this case may be due to the manipulation of the diaphragm during surgery or from nerve irritation that was sustained during the operation.
