A 58-year-old man presents to the Emergency Department with 3 days of persistent hiccups that began after a large evening meal and several glasses of wine. He says the hiccups are now preventing him from sleeping properly and he feels exhausted. He reports mild reflux symptoms but no chest pain, focal neurological symptoms, vomiting, abdominal distension, or weight loss.
His observations are normal, and physical examination is otherwise unremarkable.
During the discussion, a senior house officer asks which statement is most accurate regarding hiccups.
Which of the following is the single best answer?
