How to Get Rid of Hiccups? – A hiccup is scientifically known as a synchronous diaphragmatic flutter or singultus that is caused due to an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm which repeats several times per minute. The sound associated with hiccups arises when the vocal cords snap shut as the diaphragm muscle spasms. Hiccups are rhythmic causing mild irritation, however prolonged hiccups can be an indication of a medical problem.
Being a commonly occurring condition, getting rid of hiccups can be just a matter of seconds with the following hacks mastered. But before proceeding to the remedies, allow us to first explain to you the causes behind this annoying contractions:
Causes of Hiccups
The main reasons behind hiccups are the following:
- Drinking carbonated beverages.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Overeating or eating too quickly.
- Eating spicy food.
- Emotional stress.
- Smoking.
- Swallowing air while chewing or eating something.
Long term hiccups that last for several hours are are often caused due to nerve damage or respiratory conditions. Central nervous system disorders which arise from an infection or tumor can also contribute to long term hiccups. Hence, be sure to seek for a medical assistance should you experience prolonged hiccups.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Hiccups Fast
1. Hold Your Breath
This is no old wives’ tale! Holding your breath is in fact the best way to get rid of hiccups. Why it works is because it increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which essentially distracts your mind, stopping the cycle of hiccups then and there.
Follow these steps to rid yourself of hiccups:
- Breathe in deeply and hold your breath for as long as you can, without allowing any air to escape.
- Exhale gently in a controlled manner.
- Inhale once again, holding your breath.
- Repeat this process several times until the hiccups have stopped.
Also read: Top 10 Home Remedies for Dry Mouth
2. Drink Water with Plugged Ears
When we get hiccups, either the vagus or phrenic nerves are irritated. Therefore, they require stimulation to function normally once again. The branches of the vagus nerve reaches into the auditory system, thus putting your fingers in your ears will stimulate the nerve endings. This causes the nerve to get going again, freeing you of hiccups. Drink an entire glass of water with a straw while blocking your ears with ear plugs. This way, you can kiss those hiccups away in almost no time at all.
Must read: How to Get Rid of Laryngitis?
3. Sugar
Sugar is one of the best remedies for treating hiccups. Swallowing sugar helps to stimulate the vagus nerve which makes your body get over the hiccups.
For this remedy:
- Take one teaspoon of white or brown sugar.
- Hold the spoon in your mouth for five seconds.
- Allow the sugar to dissolve.
- Proceed to take a sip of water.
People with diabetes shouldn’t opt for this remedy.
Also read: How to Get Your Voice Back Fast?
4. Peanut Butter
If you would like to keep hiccups at bay, then a home remedy in peanut butter you shall find. The thick and gooey consistency of peanut butter helps to interrupt your breathing pattern as you swallow it which will eventually stop continuous hiccups.
For this remedy:
- Place a teaspoon of peanut butter in your mouth.
- Hold it for a few seconds before swallowing it, without chewing.
- If needed, you can drink a glass of water soon after.
Almond butter can also be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
Must read: Top 12 Home Remedies for Earache
5. Open Mouth Swallowing
This is another easy way to get rid of hiccups as it allows more air into your system, thereby putting you out of your temporary misery instantly.
For this remedy:
- Open your mouth for a couple of minutes.
- If you feel the need to swallow, try keeping your lips apart when you do so.
- Keep gulping down every few seconds, especially when you feel a hiccup coming.
- Repeat this for about three minutes.
Also read: Top 12 Home Remedies for Oral Thrush
6. Vinegar
Vinegar is yet another solution to the problem at hand. The sourness of vinegar helps to distract your mind which inevitably stops your hiccups. Apple cider, malt or white vinegar will all do the trick.
For this remedy:
- Swallow half a teaspoon of vinegar followed by a glass of water.
- Another option will be to mix in a teaspoon of vinegar with a little bit of water. Swallow this and the hiccups will definitely stop.
Must read: Home Remedies for Chest Congestion
7. Drink Upside Down
One sure fire winner to get rid of hiccups is to drink a glass of cold water as this shocks your body which will in turn stop hiccups. If this doesn’t work, then you might want to try drinking water upside down.
For this remedy:
- Take a glass of cold water.
- Hold the edge of the glass against the bottom of your upper lip.
- Bend down at the waist, leaning forward, keeping your upper lip in contact with the glass.
- Remain in this position as you drink water from the glass slowly.
- Repeat this process until the hiccups are gone.
Also read: How To Relieve Bloating and Gas
8. Lemon
Lemon is a home remedy that stops hiccups mid stream. The sourness of the lemon overwhelms the irritated nerves which makes the hiccups disappear.
For this remedy:
- Place half a teaspoon of undiluted lemon juice in your mouth.
- Swallow it and the hiccups will stop immediately.
Another remedy you can try:
- Mix the juice of one lemon with half a glass of water.
- Drink this solution quickly.
The third remedy you can try out :
- Put salt on a small piece of lemon.
- Suck the juice of the lemon slowly.
Must read: Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water
9. Paper Bag
Breathing into a paper bag helps to increase the amount of carbon dioxide in your body. This makes the diaphragm contract deeply so as to bring in more oxygen which will stop the hiccups.
For this remedy:
- Press a paper bag to your mouth.
- Breathe slowly and deeply into it.
- Repeat this several times.
Also read: 6 Ultimate Reasons To Stop Drinking Bottled Water
10. Chamomile
Chamomile is an amazing hack to get rid of hiccups. It has muscle relaxant properties which helps to ease contractions in the diaphragm. This essentially prevents the onset of further hiccups.
There are two ways to use chamomile:
- Firstly, steep one teaspoon of dried chamomile herb in a cup of water for ten minutes. Drink it slowly and soon the hiccups will stop.
- Another option is to put a couple of drops of chamomile essential oil into a brown paper bag. Hold the paper bag over your nose and mouth. Take slow deep breaths into the bag till the hiccups stop.
Must read: Best 10 Health Benefits of Turmeric
Other remedies that you could try out include:
- Singing or laughing loudly so as to distract your mind.
- Drinking a small amount of a fizzy beverage helps you to burp which later stops hiccups.
- Pulling your tongue out also helps to stop hiccups.
- Place your fingers in your ears and breathe in deeply.
- Chewing a piece of ginger also fights hiccups effectively.
- Continuously gulp down half a glass of water for seven seconds, and the hiccups will be gone.
Also read: Top 10 Health Benefits of Cinnamon
The next time you get a hiccup, you know what to do. Try and error with the many remedies provided here, and you will be sure to find that ultimate hack that works the best for you. However, should your hiccups persist longer than two hours, be sure to consult a doctor.
