From funny to irritating and maybe even embarrassing, hiccups seem to be a body response we have absolutely no control over. They are in fact a result of unconscious contractions of your diaphragm, a muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen and is crucial to breathing. Your vocal cords quickly close after this involuntary spasm, creating the distinctive hiccup sound. They interfere greatly with eating and talking if they persist. “How to get rid of hiccups” is a natural concern under such circumstances.
There are some interesting ways to get rid of hiccups almost as soon as they start. Yes, you read that right! So here are some interesting tips that we have discovered and compiled for you, which are a certainly effective natural treatment for hiccups.
What Causes Hiccups?
Hiccups are a natural phenomenon. However, some lifestyle factors could cause these hiccups. They are:
- Consuming carbonated drinks
- Gulping down large morsels of food
- Consuming spicy foods
- Stress and excitement
- Consuming too much alcohol
- Exposure to quick temperature change
How to Get Rid of Hiccups?
If the hiccups go away on their own, then it is fine. But if they persist for a long time, then you should be aware of how to stop hiccups. Some of the tricks to stop hiccups can be useful for short bouts of hiccups. But if the hiccups last for over 48 hours, then it is chronic and may be an indication of some underlying condition that may require medical attention.
1. Posture and Breathing Techniques
- Inhale and exhale for the same number of counts. For example, inhale for a count of five and exhale for a count of five. Do this till you get relief.
- Inhale deeply and hold your breath for a few seconds and then breathe out. Repeat till the hiccups stop.
- Place a paper bag around your mouth and nose. Inhale and exhale into the bag. You will deflate and inflate the paper bag in the process. Avoid using plastic bags.
- Sit in a comfortable position. Draw your knees close to your chest and embrace them with your hands. Hold the position for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Apply pressure on your diaphragm by bending forward and contracting your chest. This is one easy hiccup remedy that can really help.
- Practise the Valsalva manoeuvre. This technique involves exhaling while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth shut.
2. Pressure Points
Your body contains pressure points that are highly sensitive to pressure. Your diaphragm may relax or your vagus or phrenic nerves may be stimulated when you put pressure on these areas with your hands can be the best treatment for hiccups.
- The muscles and nerves in your throat are stimulated when you pull on your tongue. Gently drag your tongue forward once or twice by holding the tip of your tongue.
- Your lungs and abdomen are divided by your diaphragm. Put pressure on the region directly below the end of your sternum with your hand.
- Squeeze your nose while you swallow water.
- Put pressure on the palm of your other hand with your thumb.
- Both the carotid arteries are located in your neck. It’s what you experience when you touch your neck to check your pulse. Lay on your back, tilt your head to the left, and rub your right side artery in a circular motion for 5 to 10 seconds.
3. Eating and Drinking Appropriately
Your vagus or phrenic nerves may also be stimulated by modifying what you eat or how you drink.
- Sip cold water slowly to stimulate your vagus nerves.
- To drink from the opposite side, tuck the glass up under your chin.
- Sip a glass of warm water slowly, without pausing to breathe.
- Use a cloth or paper towel to cover a glass of water and sip through it.
- Sip on an ice cube till it shrinks to a small size and then swallow it.
- Gargle with ice water for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat the process as required.
- Place a pinch of granulated sugar for some time on your tongue and then swallow it.
- Put a pinch of salt onto a piece of lemon and suck it. Once you finish sucking, rinse your mouth with water to prevent your teeth from getting a citric acid reaction.
- A drop of vinegar on your tongue will help.
4. Scientifically Backed Uncommon Remedies
The hiccup remedy listed below may seem unfamiliar but are scientifically proven ones and are applicable to adults.
- An old case study describes a man who had hiccups for four days straight. He had an orgasm and the hiccups stopped instantly.
- In a different case study, a man with persistent hiccups reportedly experienced immediate relief following a rectal massage. Wear rubber gloves and a lot of lubricants and insert a finger into the rectum and massage.
5. Other Remedies
Besides the tricks mentioned above, here are some other remedies that’ll help you if you find yourself wondering “how to get rid of hiccups”:
- Your phrenic nerve might be stimulated if you rub the skin on the back of your neck.
- Till you gag or cough, gently swab the back of your throat with a cotton swab. The vagal nerve could be activated by your gag reflex.
- Distraction is one of the best and most common ways to get rid of hiccups. Play a video game, finish a crossword puzzle, or perform some mental maths.
Chronic Hiccups and Medication
The majority of hiccup episodes disappear in a few minutes or hours. Consult your doctor if you experience hiccups frequently or if they linger longer than two days as they could be chronic and can be a symptom of one of the underlying conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or gastroesophageal reflux.
If the hiccups are more severe, then the doctor might prescribe muscle relaxants or antipsychotic medications. Medications prescribed for epilepsy or nausea may be suggested for hiccups as well.
How to Prevent Hiccups?
Making minor adjustments to your habits can typically prevent common cases of hiccups that are brought on by lifestyle variables. Here are some things to try if you discover that certain behaviours are giving you the hiccups:
- Control the portion per serving
- Avoid gulping down the food
- Consume less spicy food
- Control the consumption of alcohol
- Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation
- Say no to carbonated drinks
Hiccups in Infants
Infants frequently have hiccups, which are a normal phenomenon of their growth and ordinarily do not bother them. However, hiccups might occasionally interfere with eating and sleeping. How to stop hiccups in infants will not be a concern anymore if you follow the tips given below:
- Adjusting the infant’s position
- Soothing the infant with burping
Babies who hiccup frequently may have a medical issue. If the baby’s hiccups are persistent or bother them, it is important to consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Hiccups are a normal phenomenon and every one of us would have experienced it. Sometimes, they fade away on their own. However, if hiccups persist, they can disturb your eating and talking. Various tricks are recommended by people but how many of them work is another concern.
There are several remedies mentioned in this article and any one of them can work as a great treatment for hiccups for you. You can give it a try when you get hiccups as all the tricks listed are simple and doable.
Nevertheless, do not ignore the condition if it persists for more than 48 hours as it could be an indication of any underlying medical condition that requires immediate treatment. In such cases, consult a doctor and undergo the required treatment to avoid further complications.
