We all get hiccups once in a while. But they usually last for a few minutes, then go away.

In extraordinarily rare cases, hiccups can last for more than a month. These are known as “intractable hiccups.” Other terms to describe the same condition include “chronic hiccups” and “intractable singultus” -- which is another way to say hiccups.

The longest recorded case of intractable hiccups continued for 60 years. Intractable hiccups are very uncommon -- happening in about 1 in 100,000 people.

You should see your doctor if you have hiccups that go on for longer than 48 hours. This could be a sign of a health problem.

Hiccups that last more than 48 hours are called “persistent” or “protracted” hiccups.

Having hiccups for a long time can cause exhaustion, dehydration, and weight loss due to disrupted sleeping and eating patterns. It has also been known to cause irregular heartbeat and gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD), which occurs when the contents of your stomach come back up into your esophagus or mouth.