We all have hiccups at some point in our life, and the best part is that they go on their own within a few minutes or hours. However, they can sometimes be irritating as they can interfere with eating and talking.
People apply tricks to control or eliminate them, such as thinking aloud about something different, breathing into a paper bag, eating a spoon full of sugar, and many more. Below mentioned are some of the home remedies that may help in treating or eradicating the hiccups:
- Holding the breath and swallowing the saliva thrice
- Drinking lots and lots of water
- Eating a teaspoonful full of sugar
- Gargling with water
- Pulling out your tongue
When hiccups stay for more than 24-48 hours, it becomes an emergency, and it is essential to see your doctor, as they might advise you on a line of treatment to treat the chronic hiccups through medications.
Hiccups occur when your diaphragm leads to spasm involuntarily; in this case, inhaling happens too fast that your vocal cords are shut down, and they produce a different type of sound, leading to hiccups. Another list of factors contributing to hiccups may include:
- Easting fast and too much
- Drinking a lot of carbonated drinks
- Eating much spicy food
- Experiencing a lot of stress or excitement
- Drinking Alcohol
- Exposure to drastic temperature changes
What are the methods that will help in getting rid of hiccups?
Hiccups are supposed to last for a short amount of time, and they can be treated easily at home by following the below-highlighted measures:
- Focus and change, if needed, your breathing technique or sitting posture, as any change in breathing style or posture can have a relaxing impact on your diaphragm
- Check your breathing and do slow breathing, such as breathing in and out while counting
- You can stop breathing for a while, hold your breaths for about 10-20 seconds, and repeat the process if necessary, two
- Sit down in a comfortable position or lie down on your bed, bring your knees to your chest, and hold the position for two-three minutes
You can also press some of your body’s pressure points, which will help eradicate the hiccups. Additionally, pressing these pressure points will also relax your diaphragm.
- Pulling your tongue will help you stimulate the nerves and muscles in your throat
- Apply pressure on your diaphragm, which is the area below the end of your sternum and distinguishes your abdomens and lungs
- Squeezing your while drinking water and squeezing your palm with the help of your thumb may help in getting rid of hiccups
- Massaging both sides of your neck, for your sit in a comfortable position and massage both of your carotid arteries for five to ten seconds
Furthermore, eating certain foods and drinking water may also help you in getting rid of hiccups:
- Sipping icy water and warm water without missing your breath may help you stimulate the nerves
- Licking and swallowing the ice cube and doing gargles with ice water
- Eating a spoonful of honey, sugar, and peanut butter
- Mixing salt and lemon and take a spoonful of the same
When to see a doctor?
In maximum cases, hiccups go away on their own; however, in odd circumstances, when they go, this could imply that you might have any of the following:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
In such cases, consultation with your medical consultant should be booked soon.
