Discover effective tricks to get rid of hiccups in just a few minutes
Why Does Hiccup Occur and What to Do About It?
Hiccups are a peculiar phenomenon: they appear unexpectedly, often at the most inconvenient times, and even though they are not dangerous by themselves, they can be quite bothersome. In social situations, they can be embarrassing, and in newborns, they can be worrisome – and after an evening with a few drinks alcohol, they can persist until morning. That's why many people wonder how to quickly and effectively get rid of hiccups, ideally without medication or chemicals. The answer is not always simple, as the causes of hiccups can vary – just as the methods to stop them.
Why Do We Actually Hiccup?
Hiccups are the result of a sudden and repeated contraction of the diaphragm – the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. When this muscle contracts, it causes a sudden intake of air into the lungs, but at the same time, the vocal cords close. The result is the typical "hic" sound. There are many reasons why this happens. It could be due to quickly swallowing overheated food, sudden cooling of the stomach, irritation of the nerve that controls the diaphragm, or emotional distress. In adults, alcohol, carbonated drinks, or overly hot or spicy foods can also cause hiccups. In infants, swallowing air during breastfeeding or feeding is often to blame.
Interestingly, although hiccups are usually harmless and temporary, there are cases where they last for several days – and in such cases, it can be a symptom of a more serious health issue.
How to Quickly Get Rid of Hiccups Without Medication?
If hiccups appear suddenly and are not associated with other health problems, they usually resolve quickly on their own. However, if they persist or repeatedly return, there are natural methods to quickly get rid of hiccups – many of them are tried and tested by generations and require nothing more than a bit of creativity.
1. Holding Your Breath – One of the most well-known methods. Just take a deep breath and hold it for as long as possible. This increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can help calm the diaphragm.
2. Drinking Cold Water in Small Sips – Cold water stimulates the vagus nerve, which plays a role in the hiccup reflex. Gentle gargling or sucking on an ice cube can also help.
3. Surprise or Fright – It's not a myth. A sudden shock or surprise can interrupt the hiccup reflex. It's no coincidence that people say, "Your hiccups will go away if you get scared."
4. A Spoonful of Sugar or Vinegar – Sweet or sour taste can stimulate nerve endings in the oral cavity, stopping the reflex.
5. Gentle Pressure on the Spot Between the Diaphragm and Chest – Massaging or applying pressure to the solar plexus area can help relax the diaphragm.
Not all methods work the same for everyone. What helps one person may not help another. But that's why it's worth trying different approaches – often just a minute of patience is enough.
How to Get Rid of Hiccups After Alcohol?
After an evening spent with alcohol, hiccups can come as an unwelcome guest. Alcohol increases stomach acidity, relaxes the muscles (including those in the esophagus area), and can irritate the diaphragm. Frequent swallowing of air while talking or laughing, combined with drinking, further increases the risk of hiccups.
How to get rid of hiccups from alcohol without resorting to medication? The key is to calm the stomach. Drinking a small amount of lukewarm water or herbal tea – such as from lemon balm, mint, or chamomile – can help. It's also good to sit upright and breathe regularly through the nose, or to lie on your side and relax. Hydration plays a significant role: plain water helps to break down alcohol more quickly and soothes the irritated stomach.
Interestingly, some people swear by a "spoonful of peanut butter" – the dense and sticky texture supposedly forces the body to redirect attention from the hiccup reflex to swallowing and chewing movements. It's not scientifically proven, but as a home trick, it might be worth trying.
Hiccups in Infants
Most parents experience a situation where their newborn starts hiccuping regularly – often after feeding. It's common and completely normal. How to get rid of hiccups in infants gently and safely?
Unlike adults, prevention is primarily recommended for the little ones: feed in a calm and slow manner, properly latch the baby to the breast or bottle, and ensure that the baby doesn't swallow too much air. After feeding, it's good to always "burp" the baby, i.e., hold them in an upright position and gently pat their back. If hiccups do occur, often just changing position or pausing feeding for a while is enough. Some babies don't even notice hiccups and aren't bothered by them.
However, if hiccups persist for more than 10–15 minutes and the baby is restless, crying, or refusing to eat, it's advisable to consult a pediatrician. In rare cases, hiccups in infants may be a sign of reflux or another digestive issue.
When Hiccups Last Longer Than They Should
Rare, but still possible, are cases where hiccups last for hours or repeatedly return without an obvious cause. This is referred to as "chronic hiccups." In such cases, a person should be examined by a doctor – the cause may be neurological, metabolic, or related to diaphragm irritation (e.g., by a tumor, cyst, or inflammation). A known case is that of an American man, Charles Osborne, who hiccupped for an incredible 68 years straight – the longest recorded episode in history.
Fortunately, most people only experience hiccups occasionally – and even though they are unpleasant, they can be dealt with using simple home methods. It's important to remain calm and be patient.
As the old saying goes: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." And hiccups? They might remind us that even in today's world of technology and medicine, there are still many small bodily mysteries that we solve just like our grandparents – with a glass of water, a breath, and a bit of patience.
