How to Stop Hiccups? 6 Highly Effective Methods

Everyone knows them, the hiccups – small and rapid intakes of air into the lungs, often accompanied by a high and unpleasant sound. Why does this happen to us? The diaphragm is responsible for the phenomenon. When we hiccup, the diaphragm moves downward, causing the lungs to inflate and a rapid stream of air to enter the lungs, passing through the contracted vocal cords on its way. The cause of hiccups is usually overeating, drinking carbonated beverages, or a sudden change in stomach lining temperature due to drinking very cold drinks or consuming alcohol. Sometimes, hiccups are also caused by sudden excitement or stress.

In rare cases, hiccups last a long time and even become chronic – usually due to various illnesses.

How to Stop the Hiccups?

Hiccups are unpleasant, and therefore most of us are looking for ways to stop them. Here are 6 effective methods to stop hiccups.

1. Eat a teaspoon of sugar. It is advisable to swallow the sugar quickly while dry, or alternatively, place the sugar under the tongue and wait for it to dissolve. This method, of course, is not suitable for diabetics.

2. Soak a lemon in a little bitter alcoholic drink, or alternatively sprinkle a little hot pepper on it, and suck. Instead of lemon, you can try swallowing a spoonful of vinegar.

3. Prepare a glass of water. Stand and bend forward, while bending – drink the water. Straighten up after drinking.

4. Cover your mouth with a simple brown paper bag and seal it as well as possible around the mouth. Breathe into the bag 10 strong and rapid breaths.

5. Take a cotton swab and use it to tickle the roof of your mouth, where the hard part of the palate meets the soft part. Sounds silly? Try and see.

6. Inhale air and hold your breath for as long as possible, even if you feel the need to hiccup. When exhaling – do it slowly.

More on Hiccups:

End the Embarrassment: Get 3 Surprising Tips to Stop Hiccups