What Are Hiccups Anyway?
When you have hiccups (Latin: singultus), the diaphragm, the flat breathing muscle between the chest and abdominal cavity, suddenly contracts. This causes you to breathe in involuntarily and quickly. At the same time, the glottis in the larynx closes – this is the opening between the two vocal cords. The flow of air is abruptly interrupted, creating the hiccupping sound. The term hiccup is actually misleading, as the sound is not caused by swallowing. The exact purpose of hiccups is not known but there are few home remedies for hiccups. It usually occurs in adults, children and even in fetuses in the womb. Several studies have shown that men are more likely to be affected than women.
What Helps Against Hiccups?
Home Remedies For Hiccups : Usually you don’t have to do anything, acute hiccups usually stop on their own. Nevertheless, the constant hiccupping is pretty annoying, especially when you’re sitting in a lecture or trying to make a phone call. That’s why there are lots of tips and tricks out there on how to get rid of hiccups. However, most of them don’t work reliably. Sometimes it’s just a coincidence that the hiccups stop. Everyone has to find out for themselves what works best.
Here are Few Home Remedies You Can Try at Home:
1. Hydrate : One of the simplest and generally effective methods of stopping hiccups is to take a glass of cold water and gulp down some. This can help you in resetting the area and cease the hiccup reflex. Drinking cold water stimulates the diaphragm and can help reset its rhythm. For best results, drink the water slowly and consistently. Some people find it helpful to drink the water in small sips rather than gulping it all at once, as this can provide a more controlled reset for the diaphragm.
2. Breathe In :Breathe in as much air as you can and then try to concentrate to avoid exhaling this air. This can assist to prevent the hiccup reflex by increasing the levels of CO2 in your blood. Holding your breath can help to calm the diaphragm by increasing carbon dioxide levels, which disrupts the hiccup reflex. For better results, try to inhale deeply and hold your breath for a count of ten or as long as comfortable before exhaling slowly. This method can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which might be contributing to the hiccups.
3. A Glass of Water : Place a paper towel on the top of the glass of water, and then take a sip slowly through the paper towel. Thus, slowing down to drink can assist in interrupting the hiccups. The paper towel creates a slight resistance that forces you to drink more slowly, which can help reset your diaphragm. This method not only helps to interrupt the hiccup reflex but also makes you focus on drinking slowly, which can enhance the effectiveness of the remedy.
4. Granulated Sugar : The other remedy that can be undertaken is taking a spoonful of granulated sugar to treat hiccups. This works by touching the nerve called vagus. This particular sugar should be allowed to roll in the mouth for several seconds before swallowing. The granulated sugar stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help interrupt the hiccup reflex. The sweet taste also acts as a distraction for your body, allowing your diaphragm to return to its normal rhythm. For the best results, let the sugar dissolve completely in your mouth before swallowing.
5. Lemon : Eat a lemon or hold a lemon and suck on the lemon edge or swallow a spoonful of lemon juice; this would rectify hiccups because it presses the vagus nerve that helps the diaphragm get back to normal. The sourness of lemon stimulates the vagus nerve and can help to reset the diaphragm. The sharp, tart flavor provides a sensory distraction that may help alleviate hiccups. You can also try sucking on a lemon wedge or mixing lemon juice with a bit of water for a more palatable option.
6. Use Vinegar : By stimulating the vagus nerve, a teaspoon of vinegar can stop hiccups. It’s solid, so just a limited quantity is required. The acidity of vinegar creates a strong taste that can interrupt the hiccup reflex. To use this remedy, simply take a teaspoon of vinegar and hold it in your mouth for a moment before swallowing. This method helps to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can assist in calming the diaphragm and stopping the hiccups.
7. Pull on Your Tongue : Delicately pulling on your tongue can animate the vagus nerve and assist with halting hiccups. Keep your pulling to a minimum. Gently pulling on your tongue stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help regulate the diaphragm. To perform this remedy, grasp your tongue with your fingers and pull it outwards gently. This method helps to create a slight distraction for your diaphragm and may provide relief from hiccups.
8. Hydrate Topsy turvy : Drinking water topsy-turvy could sound precarious, yet it tends to be extremely effective. Drink slowly while bending at the waist and placing your mouth on the far edge of a glass of water. This unconventional approach alters the usual drinking angle and can help reset the diaphragm. By bending over and drinking from the far edge of the glass, you force yourself to drink in a different manner, which may help disrupt the hiccup reflex.
9. Gargling with Ice Water : By interrupting the hiccup reflex and stimulating the vagus nerve, gargling with ice water can help stop hiccups. Gargling with ice water helps to cool and soothe the throat and diaphragm. To use this remedy, take a sip of ice-cold water and gargle for about 30 seconds to a minute. The cold temperature and the act of gargling stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help interrupt the hiccup reflex and provide relief.
10. Peanut Butter : Take a teaspoon of peanut butter. The thick consistency of peanut butter can help stop hiccups and reset the diaphragm. To get the most out of the peanut butter, take a teaspoon slowly. The sticky texture forces you to chew and swallow slowly, which can help reset the diaphragm and interrupt the hiccup reflex. Allow the peanut butter to coat your mouth and throat thoroughly before swallowing for the best effect.
Tips for Preventing Hiccups:
- Eat Slowly: One tends to develop hiccups when one rushes to eat, so make sure to chew your food properly.
- Avoid Carbonated Drinks: Carbonated beverages can introduce excess air into your stomach, leading to hiccups.
- Stay Calm: The hiccup reflex can be stimulated by stress and excitement so one must stay as calm as possible and particularly during meals.
- Limit Alcohol: If a person drinks too much alcohol it may induce irritation of the diaphragm leading to hiccups.
Conclusion
Hiccups are usually harmless and go away on their own, but these home remedies can help speed up the process and provide quick relief. Remember, if you experience persistent hiccups that last for more than 48 hours, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.