Top 7 Ways to Get Rid of Hiccups

Hiccups usually go away within a few minutes. However, they are very annoying and don’t allow us to eat or talk properly. There is a long list of tricks for getting rid of hiccups immediately. Here are the top 7 ways to get rid of it.

7. Breathing Techniques

Your diaphragm can relax once you change your breathing technique. Measured breathing is great. Just disturb your respiratory system and slow down your breathing in and out. You can also hold your breath after inhaling a large gulp of air, then breathe out as slow as possible. (1, 2)

6. Compressing Your Chest

There are techniques that allow you to compress your chest. For example, you can sit down comfortably and hug your knees for 3 minutes. Also, you can put pressure on your diaphragm by leaning or bending forward. (3, 4, 5)

5. Paper Bag and Valsalva Maneuver

Get a paper lunch bag and place it over your nose and mouth. Breathe in and out slowly. It is not recommended to use a plastic bag. The Valsalva maneuver is easy. Close your mouth, pinch your nose, and try to exhale. (6, 7)

4. Use a Lemon

Biting on a lemon while having hiccups, your vagus nerve will be stimulated. The vagus nerve runs from your brain to your stomach. The lemon taste switches your brain from the hiccups to the sharp taste of the lemon. (8, 9)

3. Drinking

You can stimulate your vagus or phrenic nerves by drinking or changing the way you drink. For example, slowly sip cold water or drink from the opposite side of the glass. You can also drink a glass of warm water without breathing. (10, 11)

2. Avoid Hiccup-Inducing Foods and Drinks

There is a list of foods and drinks you should avoid if you have chronic hiccups. Spicy foods, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and gums are hiccup-inducing foods and drinks. Try to quit smoking too because it triggers hiccup. (12, 13)

1. Medications

If you are unable to eat properly, losing weight, or have insomnia or depression due to hiccups, your doctor may prescribe certain medications for your persistent case such as baclofen (a muscle relaxant), Chlorpromazine (an antipsychotic medication), or Gabapentin (used for neuropathic pain and hiccups). (14, 15, 16)