Discover a variety of effective methods to quickly and comfortably get rid of hiccups in individuals of all ages, including babies, kids, and adults. Learn simple techniques, from pressure points to soothing remedies, to put an end to those annoying hiccups.
How to get rid of hiccups?
Hics can be quite the annoyance, striking at the most unexpected times.
Whether you’re a curious parent looking for ways to help your baby, or a mom-to-be seeking hiccup relief during pregnancy, this guide is for you.
We explore various methods, including pressure points and waterless techniques, to stop hiccups fast.
Contents
What are hiccups?
But what triggers the goddamn Singultus (medical term)?
In fact, it starts from the diaphragm, more precisely from that group of muscles located between the lungs and the abdomen that are responsible for breathing movements.
If the diaphragm is irritated, it spasms and makes you swallow air.
This inspired air hits the vocal cords, creating the distinctive sound of hiccups.
What causes hiccups?
The most common causes of hiccough are:
- eating too fast
- drinking soda
- feeling nervous
- stress
Apart from these trivial reasons, hiccoughs can also be related to some underlying dysfunction or disease like:
- irritation of the esophagus (gastric reflux)
- gastritis
- peptic ulcer
- neurological syndrome
- larynx or pharynx condition
- infection
- cancer
- certain drugs (anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, opioid analgesics, dopamine agonists, anticancer drugs, benzodiazepines).
Hiccup relief while pregnant
Managing hics during pregnancy can be an added challenge amidst the myriad of changes your body is undergoing.
However, there are safe and effective ways to alleviate them:
- Sip ginger tea
Sipping on ginger tea can be beneficial due to its anti-nausea properties.
Ginger is known to calm the digestive system, potentially easing hiccups during pregnancy.
- Relaxation techniques
Engage in relaxation methods like deep breathing and meditation to mitigate stress levels.
Stress can exacerbate hiccups, so by practicing relaxation, you may find relief from this discomfort.
- Upright posture
Avoid lying down immediately after meals to minimize the risk of acid reflux, a common trigger for hiccups during pregnancy.
Maintaining an upright posture allows for better digestion and reduces the likelihood of experiencing hiccups.
How to stop baby hiccups?
Infants and newborns often experience hiccups due to the immaturity of their diaphragms.
Here are some gentle techniques to assist your little one:
- Burping
After feeding, make sure to burp your baby to release any trapped air in their stomach.
This can help prevent hics triggered by excess air.
- Slow feeding
When bottle-feeding, ensure a slow and steady flow of milk to minimize the intake of air.
This can reduce the likelihood of hiccoughs occurring during or after feeding.
- Gentle back rubs
Soothe your baby’s hiccups by gently patting or rubbing their back.
This can provide comfort and aid in the resolution of hics.
Hiccup relief for kids
Hiccups are a typical occurrence in childhood.
Here are some child-friendly approaches to address them:
- Distraction
Encourage your child to focus on an enjoyable activity to divert their attention from the hics.
Engaging in something fun can help alleviate their discomfort.
- Breathing exercises
Teach your child simple breathing techniques, such as taking slow, deep breaths.
This can help relax the diaphragm and potentially ease the hiccoughs.
- Tickling
Playfully tickle your child as a way to distract them from their hiccups.
Sometimes, the laughter induced by tickling can disrupt the hic cycle and provide relief.
How to stop hiccups in adults immediately
Sip cold water slowly
Sipping cold water slowly can help stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt the hiccup reflex.
Take small sips, ensuring that the water is cold but not too cold to avoid shocking your system.
Try the paper towel method
Place a single layer of a paper towel over the top of a glass of water and drink through it.
This can create a similar effect to sipping water slowly and may help alleviate hics.
Hold your breath
Take a deep breath and hold it as long as you comfortably can.
This can increase carbon dioxide levels in your bloodstream, potentially stopping the hiccough spasms.
Exhale slowly when you can’t hold your breath any longer.
Gargle with cold water
Gargling with ice-cold water can provide a shock to your system and may help halt hiccups.
Make sure the water is cold, but don’t use ice water as it can be too extreme.
Use the “Paper Bag” method
Place a small paper bag over your mouth and nose, then breathe in and out slowly.
This method increases carbon dioxide levels and can sometimes help stop hiccoughs.
Be cautious and don’t use a plastic bag, as it can be dangerous.
Lemon and bitters
Sipping a mixture of lemon juice and a few drops of bitters can sometimes provide relief from hiccups.
The bitter taste and the sourness of the lemon may help stimulate the vagus nerve.
Hug your knees
While sitting down, bring your knees up to your chest and hug them close.
This position may put gentle pressure on your diaphragm and help ease hics.
Swallow a teaspoon of honey
Honey is known for its soothing properties and may help alleviate hiccups.
Swallow a teaspoon of honey slowly to coat your throat.
Distract yourself
Sometimes, hiccups can be triggered or exacerbated by stress or anxiety.
Engaging in a distracting or calming activity, such as reading, humming a tune, or counting, can help take your mind off the hics and reduce stress.
Sugar fro hiccups
Take a teaspoon of sugar and keep it in your mouth for 5 seconds.
Let the sugar melt without chewing it, then rinse with clean water.
Handy tip for a child who is not old enough to learn to hold his breath.
Swallow vinegar
Swallow half a teaspoonful of vinegar, either white or cider, then follow up with a glass of water.
You can also directly dilute a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile has relaxing properties that will relax muscles too.
It will therefore also untie the diaphragm and stop the spasms that trigger the hiccoughs.
Prepare some chamomile tea, let the sachet steep for 5 minutes in a hot cup of water, then drink it slowly.
Cough or burp
Try to assess the spacing between two hiccups. Until next time, try a cough or burp.
This will change how the diaphragm and surrounding muscles work and the hics will go away.
Repeat several times if necessary.
Swallow three times
Evaluate the interval between two hiccups and try to swallow three times in a row in between.
This method activates many muscles in the throat and abdomen that will allow you to control the diaphragm.
Breathe essential oil
Choose eucalyptus, bergamot, or lavender essential oil, add a few drops in your diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle.
These scents have a calming effect that will help relax the diaphragm to restore normal breathing.
Stick your tongue
If you are home alone and struggling with nasty hiccups, you can practice this method. However, avoid it in public!
Pull your tongue out as far as possible, forcing.
This trick is no joke, you will stimulate a nerve connected to the diaphragm by doing so.
And this stimulation will help control the hiccough spasms.
How to get rid of hiccups pressure points
Pressure points can provide quick relief for hiccups in both adults and children:
- Thumb pressure
Press your thumbs against the soft area between your eyebrows for a few seconds to stimulate the vagus nerve.
- Upper lip technique
Gently press your upper lip with your index finger while sipping cold water to interrupt the hiccup reflex.
Chronic hiccups: Causes and solutions
If most of the time the hiccups are only a transient, brief and harmless annoyance, it sometimes become persistent, sometimes even permanent.
In this case, it often correlates with dysfunction or disease.
The lack of treatment recommendations for recalcitrant hiccups has led researchers to search the scientific literature to determine which substances are likely to relieve this symptom.
They thus defined three drugs:
- baclofen
- gabapentin
- certain neuroleptics
If you experience hiccoughing that persist for more than 48 hours, it is best to see a physician to try to determine the underlying cause.
How to stop hiccups instantly at home
This article provides a comprehensive guide to effectively managing hiccups for individuals of all ages.
By uncovering the underlying causes and common triggers of hiccups, it equips you with practical and gentle solutions.
Whether you’re caring for a baby, supporting a child, or seeking relief as an adult, there are strategies tailored to your needs.
Remember, it’s crucial to seek medical advice for persistent or chronic hiccups.
Frequently asked questions
How long do hiccups last?
Hiccups are typically short-lived and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
In rare cases, hiccups may persist for longer periods, which may require medical attention.
Can stress cause hiccups?
Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger hiccups in some individuals.
Emotional stress can lead to changes in breathing patterns, potentially resulting in hiccups.
Why do I hiccup when I drink soda?
Drinking carbonated beverages like soda can cause hiccups due to the carbonation.
The bubbles in the soda can irritate the diaphragm and trigger spasms, leading to hiccups.
Why do spicy foods make you hiccup?
Spicy foods can stimulate the nerves in the esophagus and stomach, leading to irritation that triggers hiccups.
Additionally, the heat from spicy foods can cause rapid breathing, which may also contribute to hiccups.
How to stop hiccups after drinking alcohol?
To alleviate hiccups after drinking alcohol, try some common remedies such as holding your breath, drinking water slowly, or stimulating pressure points.
If hiccups persist or become severe, it’s advisable to seek medical advice.
