How to Effectively Stop Hiccups

People experience bouts of hiccups that can be troublesome as well as embarrassing. Hiccups happen when the diaphragm, which is a large muscle that aids in breathing, begins to involuntarily spasm. When a spasm occurs, it makes you inhale suddenly and your vocal cords instantly shut. This results in an unusual sound. So, it’s essential to know how to stop hiccups rather than wait for it to end.

Usually, hiccups do not last for more than 5-10 minutes, but they can sometimes interfere with talking or eating. There are several effective ways to get rid of hiccups. Yet, if hiccups last for more than 48 hours, seek a doctor’s help because there may be an underlying condition which may require treatment. Here are some general tips on how to stop hiccups.

Breathing and Posture Techniques
Such techniques can be really helpful to stop hiccups.

• Perform slow and measured breathing
  Slow and measured breathing can relax your diaphragm. Breathe in and breathe out to a count of five. This is a good start for those who don’t know how to stop hiccups.
• Hold your breath
  Inhale a substantial amount of air and hold it for 10-20 seconds. Exhale slowly.
• Hug your knees
  Sit down and bring your knees close to the chest. Hug them tightly for 3-4 minutes before releasing them.
• Compress your chest
  Bend in the forward direction to compress your chest and exert pressure on the diaphragm.

Pressure Points
Simply pressing a few pressure points with your hands can help to relax the diaphragm.

• Squeeze your palm
  Apply gentle pressure on one palm with the thumb of the other hand.
• Pull out your tongue
  This can help in stimulating your throat muscles.
• Put pressure on your diaphragm
  Gently apply pressure on the area between your lungs and the abdomen with your hands.

Things to Eat or Drink

• Drink ice cold water
  Slowly sipping ice-cold water can help you get rid of hiccups.
• Eat sugar or suck sugar cubes
  Put a small pinch of sugar on your tongue and let it sit for 10 seconds.
• Suck on a lemon
  Slowly suck on a lemon. Remember to rinse your mouth to safeguard your teeth from citric acid.
• Eat honey or peanut butter
  Consume a spoon of either honey or peanut butter, letting it dissolve in your mouth.

The above suggest some ways of how to stop hiccups. However, if you get hiccups frequently or long-lasting ones, chances of underlying conditions such as stroke, gastroesophageal reflux or multiple sclerosis arise. Therefore, consult a doctor immediately.