What Are Nicotine Hiccups And What Causes Them?

Nathan Chilcott

Pro Tips

Have you heard of nicotine hiccups? Perhaps you’ve experienced them. It may sound like a made-up thing, perhaps an excuse for hiccupping at the wrong moment.

However, studies have shownthat nicotine consumption can dramatically increase the chances of you getting hiccups.

What Are Hiccups

A hiccup is simply the sound made when your diaphragm involuntarily spasms. The movement forces air up and out of your body, creating a hiccup in the process.

In most cases, hiccups will pass in a few moments and they are deemed harmless. However, prolonged bouts of hiccups which last days or even weeks are likely to be a symptom of a deeper issue.

"There are many causes for hiccups but, unsurprisingly, nicotine pouch hiccups are caused by using nicotine pouches. It’s something that the nicotine pouch industry is concerned about. “

How Nicotine Causes Hiccups

When you use a nicotine pouch the nicotine is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. From there it can travel around your body.

Despite the freedom of movement, nicotine heads straight for your brain. When it reaches your brain it binds with your receptors.

In effect, it triggers the receptors, causing them to release neurotransmitters. It’s these neurotransmitters which create the craving for more nicotine.

One specific neurotransmitter is dopamine. You’ve probably heard of it as it makes you feel happy, more motivated, and improves focus.

However, what you may not realise is that dopamine also helps to regulate your phrenic nerve. That’s the nerve which controls your breathing in your diaphragm.

The dopamine released due to nicotine can cause confusion in your body. Specifically, it can make your diaphragm spasm, causing nicotine hiccups.

In addition, nicotine can cause irritation in your throat. The area where the throat and esophagus merge is known as the mucus membrane. If this becomes irritated you’re more likely to experience hiccups.

The good news is, while hiccups can be frustrating, they aren’t usually a serious health issue. That should help if you have pouch health conerns.

In other words, you can still confidently reach for your favourite nicotine pouch brands.

Ways To Prevent Nicotine Hiccups

There are no guarantees, but there are several things you can do which will reduce the likelihood of you getting hiccups.

• Drink Plenty Of Water

Staying hydrated is an effective way to prevent hiccups from happening. Nicotine dehydrates your body, this increases the likelihood of hiccups.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water makes it less likely hiccups will be an issue.

• Choose A Milder Nicotine Pouch

If you’re suffering from nicotine hiccups it may be because you’re using a stronger pouch than you need. Try a milder nicotine pouch and see if the hiccups stop.

High nicotine contents are likely to overstimulate your nervous system, effectively causing hiccups.

Start with a mild pouch and work up as you build your tolerance level.

• Have A Bite To Eat

Nicotine has been known to cause upset stomachs, if you take it on an empty stomach. Irritated stomachs are more likely to cause hiccups.

To prevent this from being an issue, don’t use nicotine pouches on an empty stomach, grab a quick snack first.

Summing Up

Nicotine hiccups are a real thing and can be frustrating. However, they are harmless and, by taking a few simple sets, you can prevent them without having to give up your favourite nicotine pouch brands.

If you need any help choosing the right brand or packet, contact us. We’re here and happy to help.