Zyn Hiccups: Why Nicotine Pouches Cause Them & How to Stop It

https://dev.snusdaddy.com/media/amasty/blog/cache/z/y/1003/502/zyn_and_hiccups.jpg
January 5, 2024 Edited April 2, 2025 20683 view(s) 11 min read
Zyn Hiccups: Why Nicotine Pouches Cause Them & How to Stop It

Table Of Contents

table of content

Nicotine pouches are the new smoke-free alternative to cigarettes and tobacco products. Like every nicotine product, using nicotine pouches has its hiccups, and we mean it literally. Using too many ZYN nicotine pouches without proper hydration can give you a little something called ZYN hiccups or niccups. 

Yes, nicotine pouch hiccups are a real thing that can happen to any nicotine user. While not fatal, these hiccups are indicators of underlying health conditions, deficiencies, and other minor problems. Let's look at how and why ZYN hiccups happen and what you can do to avoid them.

Why Nicotine Pouches Cause Hiccups (Science-Based Explanation)

Nicotine pouches cause hiccups because of their stimulant nature. The chemical nicotine reacts with your Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) and nACHRs, which leads to a rapid release of different endorphins. One aspect of your nervous system is the Phrenic nerve, which is connected to your diaphragm (pronounced dai-uh-fram). 

reasons for hiccups when using zyn nicotine pouches

First Reason for Nicotine Pouch Hicccups (Direct Stimulation) 

The Phrenic nerve controls the contraction and expansion of your diaphragm. The release of endorphins and stimulation of this nerve leads to an increased respiratory rate. The spike in this rate and the extra stimulation can cause spasms in your diaphragm, which in layman's terms are hiccups. 

A study in the NCBI concluded that nicotine products could be an independent factor contributing to hiccups. The research showed that nicotine, dexamethasone, and fluorouracil had high odds of inducing hiccups. The study was conducted for nicotine products and did not state whether it was cigarettes, snus, or nicopods. 

Second Reason for Nicotine Pouch Hiccups (Acid Reflux)

The second reason why nicotine pouches might cause hiccups is Acid Reflux. This usually happens when you nibble or chew on the pouch right after having a meal. The nicotine and extra additives make their way into your stomach and react with your stomach fluids.

This reaction can irritate your diaphragm and stimulate the phrenic or vagus nerves. It leads to a bad case of hiccups which subside when you drink water and take the pouch out of your mouth. This happens more often with nicotine pouches that drip more compared to standard pouches.

You might also experience this with nicotine gum or other forms of nicotine that produce a lot of drip. A lot of snus users might have experienced hiccups but passed it off as nothing. 

Are ZYN Nicotine Pouch Hiccups Dangerous?

No, ZYN nicotine pouch hiccups are not dangerous. According to a study conducted by the FDA, nicotine products were identified as an independent factor contributing to hiccups. It's important to note that this hiccup effect is usually temporary, self-limiting, and commonly observed when using nicotine products.

However, these hiccups could signal a more severe underlying condition. It's important to analyze your consumption patterns to identify the cause. Generally, ZYNs are safer to use than other nicotine pouch brands. 

How Often Do ZYN Hiccups Happen?

There is no specific period of frequency ratio to identify when ZYN hiccups happen. You could get hiccups while using it for the first time or never experience it. There is no fixed period, for example, I've been using ZYN nicotine pouches for the past 4 years, and I didn't even know ZYN hiccups were a thing. 

The frequency can change based on your health, age, diet, and the type of product you're using. The more drippy a pouch is the more it can cause nicotine hiccups. Furthermore, if it happens very frequently for you then you should quit using nicotine and consult a doctor.

Who Gets Hiccups More? (User-Based Insight)

Based on research, people with underlying conditions get nicotine pouch hiccups more frequently. For example, people who have damaged phrenic or vagus nerves are more susceptible to hiccups. In the same way, people who have thinner arteries, a form of pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia, are also more susceptible to hiccups.

Here's a complete list of some conditions that might increase the chances of nicotine pouch-induced hiccups:

  • Pneumonia: Inflamed lungs irritate the phrenic and vagus nerves increasing the risk of hiccups. 
  • Pleurisy: Membranes around the lungs are inflamed and triggered more easily. 
  • Pulmonary embolism: Lung condition that might cause hiccups and exacerbated by nicotine. 
  • Gastrointestinal Problems: Various conditions like refluxes can cause hiccups. 
  • Diabetes: This is a serious disease and can lead to countless effects that might cause hiccups. 
  • Uremia: It's a renal disease that leads to fluid overload and can cause hiccups. 
  • Hypocalcemia: The metabolic disorder can increase the risks of hiccups. 

Consumption Habits that Might Cause Nicotine Hiccups

Some other things could influence the likelihood of getting nicotine pouch hiccups.

consumption habits that cause hiccups when using zyn nicotine pouches

Here are some consumption habits that might cause nicotine hiccups:

  1. Using Pouches After Consuming Food: Eating or drinking something triggers your digestive system and juices. When the nicotine drip mixes with this acid and irritates your esophagus, it creates acid reflux and hiccups.
  2. Nibbling or Chewing Pouches: Nicotine pouches should not be chewed or nibbled because they release nicotine drip. The drip irritates your esophagus and stomach, which triggers hiccups and other side effects. 
  3. Accidental SwallowsWhile swallowing nicotine pouches isn't a consumption, some people might do it unintentionally. These accidental swallows make your stomach a boiling cauldron and irritate every part of your body. If you've swallowed a nicotine pouch, hiccups will assail you, but that's the least of your concerns. 
  4. Using Too Much Nicotine: Excessive use of nicotine pouches can cause an influx of neurochemicals. It leads to an excited state in your body that might cause hiccups. 

Can All Nicotine Pouches Cause Hiccups? 

Yes, all nicotine nicotine pouches can cause hiccups. The difference between different nicotine pouch brands is flavorings and the ratio of filler, flavorings, etc. Every nicotine pouch contains nicotine, and it is this chemical that causes hiccups.

There are slight differences because the stimulation of the phrenic nerve is correlated to the amount of nicotine per pouch and the moisture levels. Consequently, a nicotine pouch with more nicotine will cause hiccups more readily. 

Brands & Hiccups: Should You Avoid One?

Currently, ZYNVELOLOOP, DOPE, and Iceberg are the most popular nicotine pouch brands in the market. Each of these products contains the same fundamental chemicals. Naturally, the side effects of ZYN pouches are similar to the side effects of every other brand. 

There is one notable difference between different nicotine pouches and drip. Some nicotine pouches have more moisture compared to other nicotine pouches, for example, ZYN is usually more moist compared to VELO. The extra drip can seep and flow through your esophagus into the stomach.

It usually causes a reflux issue and irritation of the nerves, leading to hiccups. Naturally, if you experience nicotine pouch hiccups, you should switch to a drier format. Here's a ranking of all the formats based on their likeliness of causing hiccups.

Most Likely to Cause Hiccups 10+ Mg Standard ZYN Pouches
10+ Mg Standard VELO Pouches
10+ MG Standard LOOP Pouches
Less than 10 Mg Standard ZYN Pouches
Less than 10 Mg Standard VELO Pouches
Less than 10 Mg Standard LOOP Pouches
3 to 6 Mg VELO Mini Pouches
3 to 6 Mg LOOP Mini Pouches
Least Likely to Cause Hiccups 3 to 6 Mg ZYN Mini Dry Pouches

Note: Mini Dry pouches have lower nicotine concentrations and less moisture content. VELO and LOOP don't have mini dry pouches, they only offer mini cans. ZYN has a specific category of Mini Dry pouches that have low moisture content. 

Nicotine Types and Hiccups: Overlooked Relationship

Different types of nicotine can have a significant impact on the likelihood of hiccups. Here's the A2A on different types of nicotine and the chances of getting those nasty hiccups:

nicotine types and hiccup frequency

Cigarettes and Hiccups

Smoking is like fuel to a fire because all of that smoke can cause hiccups very easily. The heated smoke, laced with toxins, makes its way to your esophagus, triggers the diaphragm, and causes hiccups. With cigarettes, hiccups are the least of your concern, because you expose yourself to 70 carcinogens and long-term lung damage.

Hiccups are a common side effect of cigarettes, along with coughs, excess mucus, and gum damage. Apart from the common health concerns, cigarettes are also a second-hand threat because of the smoke. Either way, you should consider smoking cessation even if the hiccups don't seem like a threat. 

Snus and Hiccups

Snus is a smokeless tobacco product that is common in the US, EU, and Asia. Brands like General, Skruf, and White Fox are household names. Snus contains moist, pasteurized tobacco, that creates a lot of drip, which goes into your stomach and stimulates your nerves.

Naturally, snus can cause hiccups more easily compared to nicotine pouches. Snus also causes gut microbe imbalances and might cause acid reflux more easily. It's one of the reasons why snus can cause hiccups more easily compared to tobacco-free nicotine pouches.

Vapes and Hiccups

Surprisingly, vapes can cause hiccups more easily compared to all other forms of nicotine. This has something to do with propylene glycol and the oily smoke. The smoke from vapes can irritate your phrenic nerve and lead to mucus buildup in your bronchi.

The oily smoke might also contain microplastics which could throw your immune system off balance. Naturally, vapes increase the likelihood of hiccups much more compared to other forms of nicotine. 

Nicotine Gum and Hiccups

Nicotine gum is the second easiest way to get nicotine hiccups. Nicotine gum is a nicotine replacement therapy option, which is often used to quit smoking. These gums are laced with nicotine and you use them like regular chewing gum.

When you chew the gum, it releases flavor and nicotine which leads to drip. The drip enters your stomach and irritates your esophagus to cause hiccups. Hiccups because of nicotine gum are so common that most people who use gums have consistent hiccup fits.

Personal ZYN Niccup Experiences

I've been using nicotine pouches, specifically ZYN and VELO, for the past four years. During these four years, I have experienced various ZYN side effects, but I've never had niccups. What I did experience was heartburn and acidity after using nicotine pouches after a very heavy meal.

Other users have had a different experience. For example, multiple people on Reddit complained about nicotine hiccups. Here's an excerpt:

Reddit discussion on hiccups and nicotine

How to Prevent & Stop Hiccups (Step-by-Step Guide)

Here are some things that you can do to prevent nicotine pouch hiccups:

  • Use Nicotine Pouches According to Your Tolerance: Using strong nicotine pouches can cause nicotine overdose and hiccups. Always use a pouch with the right nicotine concentration to avoid this problem.
  • Limit Drinking or Eating While Using a Pouch: Drinking or eating while using a pouch might cause accidental swallows. It might cause hiccups and a host of other problems like indigestion and gastrointestinal problems. 
  • Do Not Exceed the Daily Dose: You should not use more than 8 to 10 nicotine pouches per day. This will prevent overdoses, nicotine addiction, heartburn, and hiccups. 
  • Stop Using Nicotine: If you're experiencing hiccups every time you use nicotine pouches, you should stop using them. It's hard but not impossible, and we've got the perfect guide to help you quit nicotine
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause imbalances which lead to hiccups. Always stay hydrated to keep those hiccups away. 

2 Ways to Stop Hiccups

You can stop hiccups by diverting your attention from them. Anything that requires a lot of focus and diverts your attention will stop your hiccups. We'll make things a bit easier with two easy ways to stop hiccups: 

  1. Take a deep breath.
  2. Gulp on air.
  3. Exhale forcefully.
  4. Repeat the process 3 to 4 times.

The second way to stop hiccups is the water method:

  1. Take a deep breath.
  2. Chug a tall glass of water.
  3. Exhale.
  4. Repeat once more.

Here's the thing, getting rid of hiccups is just about diverting your attention. If you get busy playing a game or lifting some heavy weights, they'll go away as well. Hiccups are like the times when you start breathing manually, it takes a distraction to get things back to normal.

Note: If your hiccups persist for hours and you have difficulty breathing or tightness in your chest, then consult a doctor. Hiccups normally last for less than 30 minutes, and anything longer than that warrants a medical checkup.

FAQs - ZYN Nicotine Pouch Hiccups

1. Why do Zyn pouches cause hiccups?

ZYN nicotine pouches can cause hiccups because the nicotine stimulates your phrenic nerve. Oral nicotine pouches of any type can cause hiccups, especially if you have an underlying condition. 

2. How long do hiccups from nicotine pouches last?

Nicotine pouch hiccups usually last for as long as you're using the product. In rare cases, the hiccups can last for more than 60 minutes. If the hiccups persist, then quit nicotine products and consult a doctor.

3. How can I stop hiccups from Zyn?

The easiest way to stop hiccups from ZYN is to stop using the pouches. Remove the pouches from your mouth, take a sip of water, exhale, and inhale slowly while pinching your nose. This is usually enough to stop nicotine hiccups. 

Conclusion: ZYN Can Cause Hiccups

Nicotine is a stimulant and it can cause hiccups. It irritates your diaphragm, which causes hiccups. Usually, these hiccups only last for a few minutes or until you're using the products.

If the hiccups or niccups persist for long periods, you should stop using nicotine pouches. The process might be hard, but you can use nicotine-free pouches to ease the oral fixation. At the same time, you can reduce the likelihood of nicotine hiccups with dry-format pouches. 

Get your favorite nicotine pouches today with Snusdaddy. We offer dry-format pouches that you can buy today. Order away and enjoy. 

Comments
Leave your comment
Your email address will not be published
Leave your comment
loader
Loading...