Hiccups are
involuntary contractions of the diaphragm; a muscle that helps us breathes.
While hiccups usually last
only a few minutes, they can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing if they
persist in public settings.
Fortunately,
there are several effective home remedies you can try to relieve hiccups
quickly.
Read on for some of the simplest and most effective techniques for stopping hiccups, using items you likely already have at home.
Home Remedies for Hiccups |
Home Remedies for Hiccups
What Causes Hiccups?
Hiccups can
be triggered by a range of factors, from sudden changes in temperature to
eating too quickly.
They
typically occur when the diaphragm becomes irritated; causing a sudden intake
of breath that is then stopped by the vocal cords, resulting in that classic
"hic" sound.
Common
triggers include eating too much, drinking carbonated beverages, excitement or
stress, and sudden temperature changes.
While hiccups
are usually harmless, they can sometimes linger, making effective home remedies
invaluable.
Simple Breathing Techniques to Relieve Hiccups
Controlled
breathing is one of the simplest ways to calm down hiccups. By regulating your
breath, you can stabilize your diaphragm and reduce spasms.
Here are some
breathing hacks to try,
1. Hold Your Breath:
Breathe deeply
and hold it for as long as you are able. This helps interrupt the diaphragm
spasms.
2. Breathe Into a Paper Bag:
Inhale and
exhale slowly into a small paper bag. The increase in carbon dioxide may help
relax the diaphragm.
3. Diaphragmatic Breathing:
Breathe
slowly and deeply from your diaphragm. This type of breathing can help relieve
stress and reduce hiccups.
Drinking Water - The Tried-and-True Remedy
Sipping or
gulping water can help interrupt the hiccup reflex.
There are
plenty of methods to try,
1. Sip Cold Water:
Slowly sip a
glass of ice-cold water to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help reset the
diaphragm.
2. Drink Upside Down:
Carefully
drink a glass of water while bending over or tilting your head upside down, this
position changes your swallowing pattern, which may help stop the hiccups.
3. Gargle Cold Water:
Gargling also
stimulates the vagus nerve, potentially calming your hiccups.
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Using Sugar or Honey to Stop Hiccups
Sometimes, a
spoonful of sugar can do more than just sweeten your day, it may also stop
hiccups. The granules of sugar stimulate the vagus nerve, which can interrupt
the hiccup reflex.
Here is how
to use this hiccups remedy,
1. Sugar:
Swallow a
teaspoon of granulated sugar slowly. This can help overwhelm the nerve impulses
causing hiccups.
2. Honey:
For a gentler
alternative, swallow a spoonful of honey, letting it coat your throat to ease
hiccups.
Try the Lemon and Vinegar Trick
Sour flavors
can work wonders in stopping hiccups. Both lemon and vinegar have strong,
acidic tastes that can stimulate the nerves in the throat, interrupting the
hiccup reflex.
Here is how
to try it,
1. Bite into a Lemon Wedge:
Take a small
lemon wedge and bite down on it, letting the sour taste spread through your
mouth. If necessary, you can add a pinch of sugar.
2. Sip Diluted Vinegar:
Mix a small
amount of vinegar in water and take a few sips. The acidity and sourness can
disrupt hiccups.
Use a Gentle Pressure Point Technique
Applying
gentle pressure on certain points of your body can ease hiccups by calming the
diaphragm spasms.
Here are some
techniques,
1. Press Your Diaphragm:
Use your
fingers to apply gentle pressure to the area just below your ribcage. This can
help steady the diaphragm.
2. Pull on Your Tongue:
Gently pull
on the tip of your tongue to stimulate the vagus nerve and calm your hiccups.
3. Squeeze Your Nose While Swallowing
Water:
Pinch your
nose and drink a glass of water slowly. This maneuver can often break the
hiccup cycle.
Sip on a Chamomile or Peppermint Tea
Certain
herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, can soothe the diaphragm and reduce
hiccups.
Both teas are
known for their muscle-relaxing properties, which can help calm the diaphragm.
1. Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile has
natural sedative effects that may help relax the muscles around your diaphragm.
2. Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint
relaxes the digestive system muscles, which may reduce pressure on the
diaphragm. Sipping warm tea can also provide a comforting way to reduce
hiccups.
Home Remedies for Hiccups |
When to Seek Medical Attention for Persistent Hiccups?
While most hiccups resolve quickly, some cases may require medical attention.Â
If your hiccups last longer than 48 hours or are accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe discomfort, it may be time to consult a doctor.Â
Continuous hiccups, though rare, can indicate underlying medical issues that
require treatment.
Find What Works Best for You
Next time you have a case of hiccups, try these simple remedies to find what works best for you.Â
Hiccups are common and usually harmless, but they can be disruptive.Â
With these quick and easy home remedies, you can quickly get rid of hiccups without any special equipment.
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