Why Does Alcohol Cause Hiccups? - Science ABC

The vast majority of hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and is the primary muscle used for breathing. These contractions may be caused by many things, including eating too fast, drinking carbonated beverages, or sudden changes in temperature. Alcohol can also lead to hiccups by irritating the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen.

Homer, for as long as I’ve been watching The Simpsons, is almost always drunk. However, have you ever wondered why – other than the obvious slurring, impulsiveness and burping – does Homer break into hiccups? Hiccups are so indelibly associated with drunkenness that an actor portraying a drunk might forget to burp, but never to feign the hiccups. So… why does alcohol cause them?

homor hiccups

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