Hiccups can be annoying. They can be disruptive. Knowing how to stop them quickly is helpful.
What Are Hiccups?
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. These contractions cause a sudden closure of the vocal cords. This closure produces the “hic” sound. Hiccups can occur at any age. They are common in infants, children, and adults. Hiccups usually resolve on their own. However, sometimes they persist and become bothersome.
Common Causes of Hiccups
Several factors can trigger hiccups:
Eating too quickly: Swallowing air while eating can cause hiccups.
Overeating: A full stomach can irritate the diaphragm.
Carbonated beverages: These can introduce excess air into the stomach.
Sudden temperature changes: Drinking hot beverages followed by cold ones can trigger hiccups.
Excitement or stress: Emotional responses can lead to hiccups.
Swallowing air: Chewing gum or sucking on candies can cause air swallowing.
Quick Remedies to Stop Hiccups
Hold Your Breath
Inhale deeply.
Hold your breath for as long as you can.
Exhale slowly.
Repeat if necessary.
Holding your breath increases carbon dioxide in your blood. This may stop the diaphragm’s spasms.
Drink Cold Water
Take a glass of cold water.
Drink it slowly.
Hold a sip in your mouth.
Swallow it while tilting your head back.
Cold water stimulates the vagus nerve. This nerve helps control the diaphragm.
Swallow Sugar
Take a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
Place it on your tongue.
Let it dissolve slowly.
Swallow it without chewing.
The sweetness stimulates the vagus nerve. This can interrupt hiccup reflexes.
Pull on Your Tongue
Use a clean cloth or tissue.
Grasp the tip of your tongue.
Pull it gently forward.
Hold it for a few seconds.
This maneuver stimulates the vagus nerve. It may help stop the hiccups.
Gargle with Water
Take a mouthful of water.
Gargle for 30 seconds.
Spit out the water.
Repeat if necessary.
Gargling stimulates the throat muscles. This may interrupt the hiccup reflex.
Breathe into a Paper Bag
Find a paper bag.
Place it over your nose and mouth.
Breathe in and out slowly.
Do this for a few minutes.
Breathing into a bag increases carbon dioxide. This can calm the diaphragm spasms.
Press on Your Diaphragm
Sit or lie down comfortably.
Locate your diaphragm (just below the ribcage).
Apply gentle pressure with your hand.
Hold the pressure for a few minutes.
Applying pressure can help relax the diaphragm. This may stop the hiccups.
Use Acupressure
Find the point between your upper lip and nose.
Use your thumb to press this point.
Hold for 30 seconds.
Repeat if necessary.
Acupressure can stimulate nerves. This may help stop the hiccups.
Swallow a Spoonful of Vinegar
Take a teaspoon of vinegar.
Swallow it quickly.
Follow with a sip of water if needed.
The sour taste stimulates the vagus nerve. This can interrupt the hiccup reflex.
Preventing Hiccups
Eat Slowly
Chew your food thoroughly.
Avoid swallowing air.
Take small bites.
Avoid Overeating
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Stop eating when you feel full.
Avoid heavy meals.
Limit Carbonated Drinks
Choose still water or other non-carbonated beverages.
Sip slowly to avoid swallowing air.
Manage Stress
Practice relaxation techniques.
Deep breathing exercises can help.
Meditation can reduce stress.
SEE ALSO: Are Hiccups a Sign of Reflux in Newborns?
Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Avoid drinking hot and cold beverages back-to-back.
Warm up cold drinks slightly before consumption.
Avoid Air-Swallowing Activities
Limit gum chewing.
Avoid sucking on hard candies.
When to See a Doctor
Persistent Hiccups
Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours.
Frequent episodes of hiccups.
Hiccups causing sleep disruption.
Accompanying Symptoms
Difficulty breathing.
Chest pain.
Abdominal pain.
Vomiting.
Underlying Health Conditions
Hiccups with weight loss.
Hiccups with neurological symptoms (e.g., headaches, dizziness).
Medical Treatments for Hiccups
Medications
Chlorpromazine: A medication that can calm hiccups.
Metoclopramide: Used for hiccups associated with nausea.
Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that can help.
Procedures
Nerve block: Injection to block the phrenic nerve.
Acupuncture: Can be used to relieve persistent hiccups.
Lifestyle Changes
Dietary adjustments: Avoid trigger foods and drinks.
Stress management: Techniques to reduce stress.
Hiccups in Babies
Causes of Hiccups in Babies
Feeding: Overfeeding or swallowing air.
Temperature changes: Sudden shifts in temperature.
Excitement: Overstimulation during play.
Stopping Hiccups in Babies
Burp the Baby
Hold the baby upright.
Gently pat or rub their back.
Do this after feeding.
Change Feeding Position
Feed the baby in a more upright position.
Use slow-flow nipples for bottle feeding.
Give a Pacifier
Offer a pacifier.
Let the baby suck on it.
Pause Feeding
Stop feeding temporarily.
Give the baby a break to calm down.
When to Worry
Hiccups lasting longer than usual.
Baby appears distressed.
Conclusion
Hiccups are a common, usually harmless condition. They can be stopped quickly using simple remedies. Understanding the causes and preventive measures can reduce their occurrence. If hiccups persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical advice.
