How to avoid hiccups after freediving

[Takis Gounaris]

So I was free diving (Spearfishing to be exact) and did 4 dives of around 17 meters. As I was heading back to shore the hiccups kicked in. For around 20 hours now I have been having hiccups (although lately, they have been less frequent).
I guess the question is: how can one avoid getting hiccups (not how one can stop them once they already start). I did some searching and found that the diaphragm could have become irritated or maybe not resting enough at the surface between dives could have caused the problem. Something about the air in the snorkel not getting renewed which strains the diaphragm could be a reason?
Feel free to post any ideas!
Greetings from Greece

 

[J Campbell]

hmmmm... I've heard holding your breath might stop hiccups - have you tried that

 

[go-hard]

I have seen one or two people "swallow" air while diving and this has caused them to burp afterwards. I wonder if the "swallowing air" could also cause hiccups at times?

The guys with the burping issue were both having problems equalising at depth though (between 25m and 30m) and the swallowing air was a symptom.