Nicotine Hiccups: The Unexpected Side Effect of Nicotine Use
Nicotine use is widely associated with addiction, increased heart rate, and potential health risks, but one lesser-known side effect that has been gaining attention is “Nicotine hiccups.” This phenomenon, commonly reported by users of nicotine pouches, vaping devices, and other nicotine-based products, has sparked curiosity among both researchers and users. While it may sound unusual, experts confirm that nicotine can indeed trigger hiccups, and the reasons behind it are rooted in the way nicotine interacts with the body.
“Nicotine hiccups” refer to the hiccups that occur after consuming nicotine, particularly from sources such as nicotine pouches, vaping, or gum. Users across social media platforms, including TikTok and Reddit, have shared their experiences of developing hiccups after using nicotine-based products. The term “niccups” has even emerged to describe this occurrence, emphasizing its widespread nature among nicotine consumers.
Nicotine affects various receptors in the brain and nervous system, triggering the release of neurotransmitters throughout the body. According to Melissa Little, director of the Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Research at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the activation of these receptors can interfere with normal nerve functions, leading to unintended consequences like nicotine hiccups.
Here are some of the primary ways nicotine can lead to hiccups:
The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for breathing. Nicotine interacts with this nerve, sometimes overstimulating it and causing the diaphragm to contract involuntarily, leading to hiccups.
Nicotine, especially when consumed in the form of pouches or vaping, can irritate the mucous membranes lining the throat and esophagus. This irritation can cause the body to respond reflexively, resulting in hiccups.
Nicotine is known to stimulate stomach acid production. This can lead to acid reflux, which in turn can irritate the diaphragm and trigger hiccups. Users who are already prone to acid reflux may experience nicotine hiccups more frequently.
Many users of nicotine pouches unconsciously swallow air while keeping the pouch between their lip and gum. This excess air in the stomach can contribute to hiccups, much like when someone eats too quickly or drinks carbonated beverages.
Nicotine hiccups have become a trending topic on social media platforms, with users frequently sharing their experiences. On TikTok, for example, videos with hashtags like #nicotinehiccups and #niccups have gained thousands of views. Users often describe the hiccups as annoying, persistent, and an unexpected downside of nicotine use.
A viral video by TikTok user @callmecarolyn shows her asking, “Why do Zyns and nicotine pouches give me hiccups every time?” before cutting to a clip of her struggling with persistent hiccups in bed. This humorous yet relatable content has sparked further discussions, with many users commenting that they experience the same issue.
Nicotine pouches, commonly referred to as “lip pillows” or “upper deckers,” have gained popularity in recent years as a smokeless alternative to traditional tobacco products. Unlike snus, which contains shredded tobacco leaf, nicotine pouches contain nicotine powder and come in various flavors and strengths.
Zyn, a leading brand of nicotine pouches, has been granted marketing authorization by the FDA, allowing its products to be legally sold to individuals aged 21 and older. While the FDA acknowledges that Zyn poses a lower cancer risk compared to cigarettes, it does not mean these products are without side effects. Nicotine hiccups are just one example of the unexpected reactions users experience.
While nicotine hiccups can be bothersome, they are generally harmless and tend to subside within a few minutes. However, frequent or prolonged hiccups could indicate excessive nicotine intake or an underlying health concern, such as acid reflux.
For users who experience nicotine hiccups regularly, here are some ways to reduce their occurrence:
As nicotine alternatives like pouches and vaping continue to gain popularity, researchers are studying their long-term effects and potential risks, including side effects like nicotine hiccups. The FDA has already taken steps to regulate nicotine products, proposing limits on nicotine content in cigarettes and cigars, although vapes and pouches remain largely unregulated in comparison.
Public health organizations, including the American Lung Association and the CDC, continue to monitor the rise in nicotine pouch use and its potential health implications. While nicotine hiccups may not be as dangerous as nicotine addiction or respiratory issues caused by smoking, they highlight the body’s sensitivity to nicotine and its potential side effects.
