hiccuped

Hiccuped is the past tense of the verb hiccup, meaning to have experienced a bout of hiccups. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords, creating the characteristic 'hic' sound. The event itself is usually brief and harmless.

Most episodes resolve on their own within minutes to hours. Chronic hiccups persist longer than 48 hours; intractable hiccups last for months and can be distressing or exhausting.

Common triggers include rapid eating or drinking, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, sudden emotional shifts, or temperature changes in the stomach. Underlying medical conditions such as respiratory or gastric disorders, central nervous system injuries, metabolic problems, or recent surgery can contribute to persistent hiccups.

Treatment is usually supportive for short episodes, using home remedies like holding the breath, sipping cold water, swallowing sugar, or gentle pressure on the diaphragm. When hiccups persist, medical evaluation is advised to identify and treat underlying causes. Physicians may try therapies aimed at stopping diaphragmatic spasms or addressing contributing conditions.

Etymology and usage: The past tense can be written 'hiccuped' or, less commonly, 'hiccupped.' The form reflects English verb formation; both spellings appear in dictionaries.