Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. They can be caused by a number of things, including eating or drinking too quickly, swallowing air, or sudden changes in temperature.
While hiccups are usually harmless and go away on their own after a few minutes, they can be annoying and embarrassing. If you’re looking for ways to stop hiccups, here are some of the best remedies:
- Hold your breath. This is one of the most common remedies for hiccups, and it’s also one of the most effective. Hold your breath for as long as you can, and the hiccups should eventually go away.
- Drink water upside down. This may seem strange, but it’s actually a very effective remedy for hiccups. Fill a glass of water and tilt your head back so that the water runs down the back of your throat. This will help to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help to stop the hiccups.
- Eat a spoonful of sugar. This is another strange remedy that actually works. The sugar will help to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help to stop the hiccups.
- Gargle with water. Gargling with water can help to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help to stop the hiccups.
- Suck on a lemon wedge. The sourness of the lemon can help to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help to stop the hiccups.
- Press on your sternum. Locate your sternum, which is the bone in the middle of your chest. Press firmly on your sternum for about 30 seconds, and the hiccups should eventually go away.
- Yawn. Yawning can help to reset the diaphragm, which can help to stop the hiccups.
- Get scared. This may seem counterintuitive, but getting scared can actually help to stop hiccups. When you’re scared, your body releases adrenaline, which can help to relax the diaphragm.
If you’ve tried all of these remedies and your hiccups are still going strong, you may want to see a doctor. Hiccups that last longer than 48 hours can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent hiccups:
- Eat and drink slowly.
- Avoid carbonated beverages.
- Avoid swallowing air.
- If you have hiccups, don’t talk about them. This can actually make them worse.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent hiccups and keep them from becoming a nuisance.
