Hiccups refer to uncontrollable and repetitive contractions of the diaphragm. They occur when the diaphragm contracts out of its normal rhythm, resulting in a rush of air into the lungs. The body reacts to this with a gasp and the characteristic sound of hiccups.
Common causes of hiccups include eating spicy food, consuming alcohol, consuming very cold or hot foods, swelling air while chewing gum, and emotional stress. Men are more susceptible to hiccups than women.
In this blog post, we will share 4 remedies for hiccups that you can try at home. While hiccups typically go away on their own after a few minutes, they can be annoying and disruptive. Keep reading to learn more about hiccup treatment options.
1. Things to Eat or Drink
Certain foods and drinks can help to overcome hiccups. Drinking ice water slowly, gargling ice water, sucking on an ice cube, eating sugar, eating a spoonful of peanut butter or honey, and drinking water through a paper towel or cloth are all common at-home remedies.
Another option is to eat a Hiccupop. View this URL to learn more about treating the hiccups with Hiccupops.
2. Posture and Breathing Techniques
Changes to your posture or in your breathing can help to relax the diaphragm. One tip is to hold your breath for 10 to 20 seconds before breathing out slowly. Repeat this technique as necessary until your hiccups go away.
Other tips include breathing into a paper bag, hugging your knees in a seated position for 2 minutes, and using the Valsalva maneuver.
3. Distract Yourself
When you stop focusing on hiccups, you’ll find that they often go away quickly on their own. We recommend that you attempt a crossword puzzle, play a video game, or think about something that makes you smile. Before you realize it, your hiccups may well be gone!
4. Pressure Points
Applying pressure to specific areas of the body can relax the diaphragm and help you overcome hiccups. One suggestion is to pull out your tongue, as this stimulates the muscles and nerves in the throat. Pull your tongue forward once or twice and see if that does the trick.
Other tips here include squeezing your nose while swallowing water, pressing on your diaphragm, and massaging your carotid artery.
Effective Remedies for Hiccups to Try at Home
While usually harmless, hiccups can be annoying and even embarrassing if they happen in public. They typically only last a few minutes, though the above tips can help you to overcome them even quicker.
If your hiccups continue for a sustained time, such as 48 hours, it is recommended that you visit your doctor. Lasting hiccups may be a way of the body telling you about an underlying condition that requires treatment.
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