Wondering About Hiccups

I bet all of you have had the hiccups a few times during your life.  I have.  My Granddad had them for weeks and weeks one time.  In fact he had them so long that he was getting very weak and the doctor said if they didn't subside soon, he would have to cut the nerves that cause it.  Finally, they went away and no operation was required.

I guess hiccups run in my family.  I get them quite frequently but they only last for a few "hiccs" at a time, but I have a cousin who gets them for longer lengths of time, maybe a week or more.  But, so far, in my family at least, my Grandpa holds the record.

So, what causes hiccups?  There are plenty of things that can bring a bout of hiccups on.  If you eat too quickly or if you swallow air, that could cause them, but with me, it just causes burping.  The same with too much fatty or spicy foods.  Of course there is a dark side to hiccups.  They can also be caused by brain tumors or strokes that involve the brain stem.   Now, I hope you all are hiccup free and please have a great day, you hear?