Hiccups can occur anywhere! It could happen completely out of nowhere from grocery shopping to a super important official meeting, amidst a job interview, or even on a date! It could set you off to find ways to get rid of hiccups happening in the wrong place and at a very wrong time.
What are hiccups?
A hiccup is a contraction of the diaphragm completely involuntarily, this a really big muscle that helps in the respiration of the lungs. Occurring of the muscle contraction snaps shut the vocal cords resulting in the hiccup sound or a gasp.
Ways to get rid of the hiccups
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Hiccups could be hindering your usual work routine if you are in an official or formal setup. There are many natural ways to get rid of hiccups fast, whether you are at a formal or informal gathering.
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These methods are meant for short time spans when hiccups may instantaneously take over your current activity.
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These are some of over the counter or kitchen cabinets condiment remedies. However, we also have some very simple techniques to naturally cure hiccups.
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If there is a case of prolonged hiccups in babies or in adults that tend to last more than 48 hours, then you need to see your doctor.
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This could be a sign of an underlying condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Here are some hiccup cures that actually work.
Water
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Gargling with iced water may help calm hiccups or by drinking a glass of warm water very slowly in one go without breathing. Sipping water slowly may help stimulate the vagus nerve.
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Sucking on an ice cube is another way to get rid of the hiccups too as cold water stops the irritation in the diaphragm.
Plug-ins
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This might seem strange but plug in your ears via earplugs or noise cancellers while sipping on a glass of water through a straw is another way to stop hiccups.
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This method stimulates the nerve and helps your body to digest food quicker and soothes pressure on the stomach and the diaphragm gets rid of hiccups altogether.
Ways to get rid of hiccups without water.
Lemon Wedges
- Sucking on a lemon wedge is another popular hiccup remedy. Biting or sucking on a lemon wedge-like sweet may also help.
Vinegar
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Adding a couple of drops of vinegar in the mouth. This remedy also helps in persistent hiccups because of the sour compounds found in vinegar.
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A drop or teaspoonful of vinegar on your tongue shall do wonders.
Spoonful of sugar
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A spoonful of sugar is a popular hiccup cure.
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As sugar graininess stimulates the vagus nerve, the sugar grains interfere with the hiccup reflex and relaxes the reflexes.
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Take some granulated sugar on the tongue. When it melts, swallow it.
Knee Hug
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Bring your knees to your chest and hold for two minutes.
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This position compresses the diaphragm and stops the spasms under your chest and helps to cure hiccups.
Hold your breath
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Hold your breath in and count till 10 seconds. This is another popular method for halting hiccups.
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Now, breathe out slowly. Repeat this practice three to four times.
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Repeat the breathing exercise after 20 minutes.
Pop your ears
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Valsalva maneuver/ technique - To pop your ears with this technique also cures hiccups.
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Now, Pinch your nose and close your mouth while blowing out air as if you were blowing your nose with as much force as you can.
Pressure on your tongue
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Stick out your tongue and gently pull on it with your fingers to get rid of the hiccups.
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This method helps to stimulate the nasopharynx (uppermost part of the throat) and that may just stop hiccups.
Ways to get rid of hiccups in newborns
Newborns do get a lot of hiccups. This is a normal part of their growth and development and they are not typically disturbed by their hiccups. Sometimes hiccups may disrupt their nursing and sleep.
Following steps are some ways to get rid of hiccups that may be taken into consideration while feeding the newborns:
- Give them a pacifier
- Some gripe water in a considerable amount
- Changing the position
- Burping the baby
- Calming the baby
- Let the hiccups complete its course
When to see a doctor
Too many hiccups are a symptom in babies born to mothers addicted to drugs, which is a symptom of NAS (neonatal abstinence syndrome).
This could be a sign of another medical condition. If the hiccups do not go away after 5-10 minutes, parents or guardians should see the doctor immediately in case the hiccups occur frequently and upset the baby.
Causes of Hiccups
- Spicy foods
- Carbonated drinks
- Stressed or emotionally excited
- Eating too much or too quickly
- Being exposed to quick changes in temperature
- Drinking alcohol
Did You Know?
- They can go away on their own without medical intervene
- Can affect anyone from babies to adults.
SUMMARY: There are many ways to naturally get rid of the hiccups at formal or informal gatherings, but if they last more than 48 hours among babies and adults, you need to see the doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do we hiccup?
Hiccups occur due to eating or drinking too much or too quickly. The diaphragm which is situated right above the stomach is distended and irritates the stomach. This causes the diaphragm to contract while breathing in.
Are hiccups good or bad for you?
Hiccups are involuntary sounds caused by spasms of the diaphragm. They are usually harmless and go away by themselves after a few minutes.
Are there ways to get rid of hiccups at home?
Yes, there are many home remedies that can get rid of hiccups at home from your kitchen cabinet condiments.
How to get rid of hiccups at work or in a meeting?
You may try the pop your ears technique or hold your breath for 10 seconds.
When is the right time to see the doctor for hiccups?
If hiccups last for more than 48 hours, then you should see your doctor.
Is it normal for newborns to have hiccups often?
Yes, it is completely normal as it is part of their growth and development.
Read More
What are Hiccups?
How to get rid of hiccups?
How to get rid of baby hiccups?