Hiccups are unexpected, involuntary muscle contractions. The space between the vocal cords is shut to test the air inflow and sounds hiccup as the muscle stretches over and over. Hiccups could be caused by inflammation of the nerves from the neck to the chest. We all experience hiccups once in a week. While hiccups usually go away on their own, they are very annoying and interfere when we eat, talk and drink. Hiccups are not a matter of concern, but if hiccups are regular, recurrent, and extended (duration more than 3 hours), sleeping habits impair, diet and vomiting reflux, severe abdominal pain, nausea, loss of respiration and the sensation of the closure of the throat can be induced. Hiccups are seldom triggered due to panic.
What causes hiccups?
Hiccups occur due to irritation in the nerves present from neck to chest. There are certain things that cause this kind of irritation which leads to mild or severe hiccups. The things which trigger hiccups are chewing gum, spicy food, eating too fast, eating or drinking too much, smoking, damage to the vagus or phrenic nerve, perfumes, anxiety, stress, coughing, strokes, carbonated drinks, being stressed or emotionally excited, drinking alcohol, being exposed to quick changes in temperature, etc. There has been an infinite list of tricks to get rid of hiccups and this list starts from holding the breath and eating a sugar spoon. But what methods really work? There are not many reports evaluating the effectiveness of multiple hiccup treatments. And many of them are accompanied by historical evidence over decades. In fact, some of the most effective therapies also activate the diaphragm-related Vagus or Phrenic nerves. Today, in this blog post, we are going to share these home remedies to treat hiccups. Let’s check them out.
How to treat hiccups?
1. Cover your mouth
It is one of the most effective techniques to stop hiccups instantly. The next time you get hiccups, just cover your mouth and nose and hold your breath as long as you can. The extra dose of carbon dioxide will help you get rid of your hiccups. This is quite an amazing remedy to treat hiccups. Even I have also tried it and it worked really well. If this doesn’t work, try out next tip.
2. Try pressure points
Pressure points are particularly sensitive regions of your body. Pressuring a point in your palms will help relax the diaphragm or phrenic nerves. If it is difficult for you to get rid of hiccups by covering your mouth, try to press the palm of your hand with the thumb of other hand, the tougher the pressure, the better the results. Alternatively, between the right thumb and forefinger, you can press your left thumb ball. Discomfort creates a distraction in your mind and helps you get rid of hiccups in a short period of time.
3. Stick out your tongue
If hiccups occur and you are alone in the room then stick out your tongue, hold it for a while and take it back. This technique is famous among singers and actors, as it stimulates the opening between the vocal cords. Through this, you would be able to breathe smoothly and the hiccups will stop automatically.
4. Plug your ears
When your next hiccups occur, plug your fingers for 20-30 seconds into your ears. You can also press the soft areas underneath the skull’s base behind your earlobes. This sends a “relaxation” sign to the diaphragm via the vagus nerve and stops your hiccups. Multiple people have claimed it an easy and effective technique to stop hiccups. Try it the next time to get those annoying hiccups.
5. Drink water
Sometimes hiccups occur while eating. This is because the food gets stuck in your food pipe which blocks air in your body. Whenever you experience this s#*t, drink nine to ten sips of water. When you drink water, rhythmic contractions of the oesophagus override diaphragm spasms. Put one layer of paper towel on top of one glass and drink through the towel direct water consumption does not work. Water helps you to get rid of food that is stuck in your nerves and this stops your hiccups.
6. Swallow something sweet or sour
A spoonful of sugar is a common treatment for hiccups because its graininess will irritate the oesophagus and “reset” the phrenic nerves, although there is no proof for it, there is nothing bad in trying this technique. In fact, it’s one of the easiest techniques to get rid of hiccups. Some people have experienced an instant relieve in hiccups with this technique. You can just put some sugar in your mouth. If sweet doesn’t work, then try something sour like vinegar. Gulp some vinegar and it will surely help you to get rid of hiccups.
7. Have some peanut butter
If you are tired of trying all the tricks to relieve hiccups and none of them has worked, then take a spoonful of peanut butter and eat it. Peanut butter is a classic cure for treating hiccups. While you chew and get it off your tongue and teeth, your breathing and swallowing patterns will be interrupted. Peanut butter is extremely good for your health. You should add it to your regular diet and avail its benefits.
8. Eat honey
Who doesn’t love honey? I just love honey in water, herbal tea and plain. If you are annoyed with the problem of your frequent hiccups, then take a teaspoonful of honey, stir it in hot water and sip it. Honey will tickle your vagus nerve and potentially make the hiccups stop. Not just in hiccups, honey is beneficial in treating flu and cough. To know-how, check out our blog about flu and cough
9. Hug your knees or massage your neck
Sit comfortably, bring your knees to your chest and hold them for a minute or two. Pulling your knees to your chest will compress your chest, which could potentially help in stop diaphragm spasms. Through this technique, your hiccups will definitely vanish. You can also massage you’re the back of your neck for a potential hiccup relief.
10. Suck some lemon
Biting or sucking a lemon directly is eye closing, but it is a potential remedy for hiccups. You can soak your lemon wedge into honey and then eat it. This remedy can help you get rid of your hiccups. But if you don’t have a lemon at the time hiccup occurs, then trying the first technique is still the best idea.
There are other tricks like to get rid of the hiccups like tickling the palate with a swab, smelling salts, having someone frighten you, etc. However, a person should always try out those methods they are comfortable with. The tips we shared with you are tried and tested and 100% safe. These tips are effective and will definitely help you to get rid of hiccups. If your hiccups are getting severe, then consult your doctor instantly. Taking the help of an expert is always a good idea. If you like this blog, then do subscribe our website and get an instant notification whenever a new blog is added on our website.