How is pleurisy connected to hiccups?

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the membranes surrounding the lungs, which can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. In some cases, the irritation of the diaphragm or surrounding areas due to pleurisy can trigger hiccups. The diaphragm, a muscle involved in breathing, is closely connected to the nerves that control the hiccup reflex. Thus, inflammation or irritation in the chest region can inadvertently lead to hiccup episodes.