Why do you get hiccups?

Hiccups frequently occur when a person eats too fast or drinks too much. Other causes of hiccups include certain diseases, abdominal surgery, stroke, noxious fumes, brain tumors and certain medications. Hiccups are the sounds heard when the vocal cords slam shut during an involuntary diaphragm muscle spasm, according to MedicineNet.

Hiccups are usually not a medical emergency unless they are painful or interfere with eating or sleeping. Home remedies for hiccups include drinking water quickly, holding one's breath, biting into a lemon or using smelling salts, according to MedicineNet. Doctors may prescribe Thorazine or Haldol for chronic or severe hiccups.