Hiccups are annoying. While there is no definitive way to get rid of hiccups, there are some remedies you can try. There are also things you can do to prevent hiccups. Read the guide below to relieve hiccups.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Overcome Short-Term Hiccups
Step 1. Avoid the causes of hiccups
As many say, prevention is better than cure. There are several things that can cause hiccups, so you can prevent them by avoiding them:
- Eating too fast or eating/drinking too much can cause hiccups (which is why drunk people are often seen as having hiccups). Eat slowly, don't rush and eat too much.
- Avoid temperature changes. For example, don't drink something hot and then eat something cold right away because changes in internal temperature can cause hiccups.
Step 2. Breathe with a paper bag
If you have hiccups, take a paper bag, place it over your mouth and nose, then breathe for a few moments. This will soothe the nerves and muscles that are causing the hiccups.
Do not use plastic bags as they will choke you
Step 3. Gargle with cold water
Even if you need cold water, don't gargle with the ice cubes as you can choke on it. Gargle until your hiccups stop.
Step 4. Hold your breath
It has the same properties as the paper bag trick and soothes the nerves and muscles that are causing the hiccups in your throat.
Step 5. Drink cold water
Whenever you feel hiccups coming up, drink cold water. Do it until your hiccups are gone.
Step 6. Eat a spoonful of sugar or honey
When your hiccups first appear, eat a spoonful full of sugar or honey and wait for the effect. You are free to use any sugar or honey.
Method 2 of 2: Overcome Long-Term Hiccups
Step 1. Call the doctor
If you experience hiccups for 48 hours, there may be a more serious health problem in your growth. Call your doctor for a checkup and see what's really wrong with your body.
- Long-term hiccups are hiccups that last for 48 hours and interfere with your sleeping/eating/breathing patterns.
- Long-term hiccups can be caused by nervous system problems such as cancer, stroke, or infection.
- Certain mental problems can also cause long-term hiccups.
Step 2. Take the right medication
You can get a prescription for anti-hiccup medications from your doctor. Don't buy medicine any other way. If your doctor says you don't need medication, follow their advice. However, if you have persistent hiccups, call your doctor to ask what medication you can take.
- You can Chlorpromazine which is included in antipsychotic drugs.
- Another medication you can use is Metoclopramide (or Reglan), which is an anti-nausea medication.
- You can also try Baclofen (or Lioresal), which is a muscle relaxant.
Step 3. Try hypnosis
Hypnosis is known to help with long-term hiccups, especially if the hiccups are caused by mental problems. Ask for hypnosis treatment only from a certified professional, not anyone else.
Step 4. Try acupuncture
Again, this technique is known to relieve hiccups in the long term for certain patients, but it doesn't guarantee it will work. Also, do not accept acupuncture from those who are not certified professionals.
Tips
- Sit up straight and take a deep breath.
- Focusing on the hiccups will make it harder for them to go away. Find something else that can distract you, and without realizing it, your hiccups just disappear.
