We all experience hiccups at some point in life. Many times, it happens in the middle of eating. Hiccups do not come with a warning. They occur suddenly and may quickly become annoying. In some cases, hiccups stop after a while, but in other events, it takes a lot of time to control your hiccups. There may be many reasons why hiccups occur.
Hiccups are the result of sudden, involuntary spasms of the diaphragm muscle. Most cases of this episode are non-concerning. But if your hiccups do not stop even after hours, you may need medical attention. Listed below are the usual culprits of this problem.
- Hiccups are the result of eating too quickly and swallowing air.
- You may suffer from constant bouts of hiccups under the feelings like fear and excitement.
- People who have undergone abdominal surgery may also experience frequent episodes of hiccups.
- Eating too much or drinking too much also leads to this problem.
- In many cases, hiccups are caused due to the entry of toxic fumes into your body.
- Sometimes, acid reflux medications may also lead to hiccups. However, it may vary from person to person.
How to Get Rid of Hiccups?
Every problem has a solution, and so do hiccups. Here are a few ways you can get rid of hiccupping.
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Cover Your Mouth
When you hiccup so much, try covering your mouth. You can cup your hands over your mouth and nose. Do not stop breathing, continue doing it normally. The extra dose of carbon dioxide will soon help you get rid of the problem.
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Use Your Hands
It is not acupuncture therapy; however, the hack may help you get rid of hiccups soon. Try pressing your hand with the thumb of your other hand. If possible, use a lot of pressure the harder you do it, the better it is. Alternatively, you can also squeeze the ball of your left thumb between your forefinger and thumb. It may cause a little discomfort. But this discomfort itself serves as a distraction that affects your nervous system. Eventually, you will get rid of the problem.
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Hold your Breath
The next time you are hiccupping endlessly, try holding your breath. The hack is simple. Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. When there is a build-up of carbon dioxide in your lungs, the diaphragm relaxes, thus keeping hiccups at bay.
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Stick Your Tongue Out
Another efficient way to get rid of this problem is by sticking your tongue out. The exercise is actively performed by the singers and actors as it stimulates the opening between their vocal cords. It makes you breathe more smoothly and quells the spasms that lead to hiccups.
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Plug Your Ears
Another exercise to keep hiccups away is to stick your fingers in your ears for 20-30 seconds. You can also press the soft areas behind your earlobes, right below the base of your skull. The whole movement sends a relaxation signal through your vagus nerves connecting to the diaphragm, thus making it feel relaxed and treating hiccups.
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Eat Peanut Butter
Yes, you heard it right. You can treat your hiccups by eating a spoonful of peanut butter. The sticky quality of peanut butter makes you move your mouth around. The whole activity interrupts your swallowing and breathing patterns and gets your diaphragm back on track. You feel better, and your hiccups shall be controlled in no time.
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A Spicy Treat
Eating something spicy will give you instant relief from hiccups. When you eat spicy foods, they distract your body in a manner that could potentially break the cycle of hiccups, thus relieving you from the discomfort.
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Drink Water
One of the most common remedies to treat hiccups is to drink water. Sipping nine or ten quick sips of water in a row will help you get rid of this discomfort the soonest. When you gulp water, the rhythmic contractions of the esophagus override spasms of your diaphragm. If this hack doesn’t work, you can also place a single layer of paper towel on the top of the glass and drink through the towel. We promise it will control your hiccups to a great extent.
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Swallow the Sweets
A spoonful of sugar or any other sweet ingredient serves immediate cure for hiccups. When you eat anything sweet, your phrenic nerves start resetting themselves. You can also consume a spoonful of honey, and we promise you will notice the difference in no time.
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Chew Dill Seeds
Not many people know this hack, but chewing dill seeds when suffering from hiccups works wonders and provides quick results. Slowly chew a teaspoon of dill seeds. This traditional cure was used in the ancient period and is still prevalent as a popular home remedy.
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Hug Your Knees
You can get rid of hiccups by hugging your knees. Yes, you heard it right. Sit comfortably and bring your knees to your chest. Keep them there for two minutes. Pull your knees such that they compress your chest, and you can hug them. The whole process stops diaphragm spasms, thus providing immediate relief.
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Yogurt Remedy
If you constantly experience hiccups, eat yogurt. Mix one cup of yogurt with some salt. Stir it thoroughly until the salt dissolves. Consume it slowly; it will control your hiccups to a great extent.
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Eat Some Cardamom
Eating cardamom or cardamom powder is another effective remedy for hiccups. You can boil some water and add a teaspoon of freshly ground cardamom powder. Allow this concoction to cool. Strain the liquid and drink. The remedy helps relax the muscles of your diaphragm, thus stopping your hiccups.
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Seek Medical Attention
When everything else fails, and your hiccups do not stop for hours, it is good to get in touch with your doctor. There may be some other reason that may require a medical inspection. They are the last resort, and consulting with your primary care physician to find the treatment is not wrong.
These remedies for treating hiccups work in many cases. Next time you or your family member hiccup repeatedly, you know how to address the condition. Keep in touch to know more.
