Hiccups are usually caused by over-distension of the stomach, a sudden change in gastrointestinal temperature, excessive alcohol and tobacco ingestion, and sudden excitement or emotional change. Sarcoidosis usually causes symptoms of weight loss, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Rarely, enlargement of lymph nodes in the chest cavity in sarcoidosis can cause hiccups. In some cases, this is the only symptom.

Resource: LF Lin and PT Huang. 2010. An uncommon cause of hiccups: sarcoidosis presenting solely as hiccups. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association. 2010 Dec;73(12):647-50