Answer the following two questions in complete sentences. 1.) What can cause hiccups?

2.) What are hiccups a sign of?

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm.

They may result from eating a large meal, Swallowing air with chewing gum or sucking on candy, alcoholic or carbonated drinks or sudden excitement.

In some cases, hiccups may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Some illnesses for which hiccups may be a symptom of are pleurisy of the diaphragm, pneumonia, uremia, alcoholism, disorders of the stomach or esophagus, and bowel diseases.