Almost everyone has had hiccups at some point in their lives, and they are always on the lookout for ways to avoid random hiccups. Hiccups usually pass on their own after a few minutes, but they can be bothersome and interfere with eating and talking. People have suggested lots of methods to get rid of them. But which remedies are effective?
There are not many studies that compare the efficacy of various hiccup remedies. But, Many of them are supported by centuries of anecdotal evidence. Furthermore, some of the most popular remedies actually stimulate your diaphragm-connected vagus or phrenic nerves. Continue reading to learn about the most popular and effective tips to avoid random hiccups.
Table of Contents
Causes of Random Hiccups
Hiccups occur when your diaphragm spasms involuntarily. Your diaphragm is a large muscle that aids in inhaling and exhaling. When it spasms, you exhale quickly and your vocal cords snap shut, producing a distinct sound. They usually come and go quickly. Hiccups are caused with variety of lifestyle factors, including:
- Being stressed or emotionally charged
- Drinking alcohol
- Being exposed to rapid temperature changes
- Eating too much or too quickly
- Carbonated beverages
- Spicy foods
Things to Do to Avoid Random Hiccups
Now its time to discuss some amazing tips to avoid random hiccups;
Things to Eat or Drink
Eating certain foods or drinking in a different way may also help to stimulate your vagus or phrenic nerves.
- Drink some ice water. Taking cold water slowly can help stimulate the vagus nerve.
- Gargle with ice water for 30 seconds. Rep as needed.
- Eat some honey or peanut butter. Let it to dissolve in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.
- Consume some sugar. Place a pinch of granulated sugar on your tongue and hold it there for 5 to 10 seconds before swallowing.
- Drink from the other side of the glass. To drink from the far side, tip the glass up under your chin.
- Suck one ice cube for some minutes before swallowing it once it has shrunk to a manageable size.
- Take a glass of warm water slowly without pausing to breathe.
- Drink water with a cloth or paper towel. Sip from a glass of cold water while covered with a cloth or paper towel.
- Suck on a lemon Some people sprinkle a pinch of salt on their lemon slice. Wash your mouth with water to protect your teeth from citric acid.
- Place a drop of vinegar on your tongue. It might help you stop your hiccups.
Pressure Points
These points are areas of the body that are extremely sensitive to pressure. Using your hands to apply pressure to these points may help to relax your diaphragm or stimulate your vagus or phrenic nerves.
Massage the carotid artery. On both sides of your neck, you have a carotid artery. It’s what you get when you touch your neck to check your pulse. Take a nap, turn your head to the left, and massage the right side artery in a circular motion for almost 5 to 10 seconds.
Pinch your palm. Apply pressure on the palm of your other hand with your thumb.
Pull your tongue. When you pull on your tongue, you stimulate the nerves and muscles in your throat. Pull the tip of your tongue forward once or twice.
- Apply pressure to your diaphragm. The diaphragm connects your abdomen to your lungs. Apply pressure on the area just below the end of your sternum with your hand.
- Squeeze your nose shut as you swallow water.
Breathing and Body Posture Techniques
A simple change inside your breathing or posture can sometimes relax your diaphragm.
- Breathe slowly and deliberately. Slow, measured breathing will disrupt your respiratory system.
- Take a deep breath. Inhale a large gulp of air and hold it for 10 to 20 seconds before slowly exhaling. Repeat as needed.
- Grasp your knees. Take a seat in a comfortable position. Bring your knees up to your chest and hold for two minutes.
- Take a deep breath into a paper bag. Slowly inhale and exhale, deflating and inflating the bag. Never put anything in a plastic bag.
- Pinch your sternum. Leaning or bending forward compresses your chest, putting pressure on your diaphragm.
- Utilize the Valsalva maneuver. Exhale air while pinching your nose.
Other Tips
Here are a few more long-lasting remedies you can try.
- Rub the skin of back on your neck. It may stimulate your phrenic nerve.
- Using a cotton swab, gently swab the back of your throat until you gag or cough. The vagal nerve may be stimulated by your gag reflex.
- Distract yourself by doing something interesting. Play a video game, solve a crossword puzzle, or perform mental math.
Ending Notes
These suggestions are intended for brief bouts of hiccups. Immediately consult your doctor from Marham.pk if you have chronic hiccups that last more than 48 hours. This can be a sign of some underlying conditions that need to be treated.
FAQs
How do you get rid of sporadic hiccups?
- Breathe into a paper bag (not over your head)
- Pull your knees up to your chest and lean forward
- Drink some ice-cold water.
- Ingest some granulated sugar
Why do I get hiccups at such random intervals?
Excessive eating, Emotional stress or excitement, Extreme temperature swings, Sucking on candy or swallowing air with chewing gum can be some causes of random hiccups.
Is it better to have hiccups or not?
Hiccups are usually harmless and go away on their own after a few minutes. Prolonged hiccups that last for days or weeks may be a symptom of underlying disorders in some cases.
Do hiccups cause weight gain?
No but Chronic hiccups can also cause severe weight loss by interfering with your appetite or desire to eat.
