2012.09.15
Hiccups can be annoying, because nobody want to be stuck making that pesky noise all day. But hiccups can happen to everyone, since it's mainly the result of involuntary diaphragm contractions causing the vocal cords to spasm.
Hiccups are rarely much of a health concern, and most stop on their own in a matter of minutes. But if yours persist after trying any of these treatments below, then it might be time to check with a specialist:
Hiccups are rarely much of a health concern, and most stop on their own in a matter of minutes. But if yours persist after trying any of these treatments below, then it might be time to check with a specialist:
Just Breathe
Most hiccup remedies involve alternating your breathing method, from holding your breath to taking deep breaths to holding your breath while plugging your ears. Some believe this helps to disrupt that nerve impulse from the brain to the diaphragm that can stop the hiccups.
Take A Drink
Water-based hiccup remedies are also well known. Some involve drinking from the opposite side of the glass, through a straw (with and without plugging your ears), through a napkin or towel and drink a big glass of water without stopping. But the real trick might have to do with swallowing since it also offers a temporary change in your breathing to help override those diaphragm spasms.
Eat Something
Similar with the drinking and breathing tricks, eating has the potential to affect your breath and therefore your diaphragm. Tasty hiccup remedies includes "swallowing a teaspoon of sugar," although others swear by a spoonful of peanut butter or ice cream. But there's not likely anything specific about the ingredient that's easing those hiccups.
Stick Out Your Tongue
Sticking or pulling on your tongue might stimulate a part of the throat connected to the nasal passage known as the nasopharynx, which is the opening between the vocal cords.
Get Startled
How many times have you heard about scare tactics being used to shock your hiccups? The art of surprise might work by changing your breathing cycle or as a mental distraction.
Physical Distractions
Squeezing your palm firmly works in distracting your nervous system away from hiccuping to the sensation.
Photo via sanatateMost hiccup remedies involve alternating your breathing method, from holding your breath to taking deep breaths to holding your breath while plugging your ears. Some believe this helps to disrupt that nerve impulse from the brain to the diaphragm that can stop the hiccups.
Take A Drink
Water-based hiccup remedies are also well known. Some involve drinking from the opposite side of the glass, through a straw (with and without plugging your ears), through a napkin or towel and drink a big glass of water without stopping. But the real trick might have to do with swallowing since it also offers a temporary change in your breathing to help override those diaphragm spasms.
Eat Something
Similar with the drinking and breathing tricks, eating has the potential to affect your breath and therefore your diaphragm. Tasty hiccup remedies includes "swallowing a teaspoon of sugar," although others swear by a spoonful of peanut butter or ice cream. But there's not likely anything specific about the ingredient that's easing those hiccups.
Stick Out Your Tongue
Sticking or pulling on your tongue might stimulate a part of the throat connected to the nasal passage known as the nasopharynx, which is the opening between the vocal cords.
Get Startled
How many times have you heard about scare tactics being used to shock your hiccups? The art of surprise might work by changing your breathing cycle or as a mental distraction.
Physical Distractions
Squeezing your palm firmly works in distracting your nervous system away from hiccuping to the sensation.
