Hiccups can be an annoying and an uncomfortable sensation. We have all experienced them at some point in our lives, but are they a concern and how do you get rid of hiccups?
The hiccups you experience are the sudden and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscles. They can last for a few seconds or minutes.
It is a mystery aliment with no known purpose. The muscles contract and the inflow of air makes the hiccup sound around your vocal cords. Sometimes an irritation to the nerves can cause hiccups as well.
Other reasons for hiccups can be eating too fast and air goes in as you swallow, resulting in the hiccups. If you eat or drink too much at one time this may also irritate the diaphragm and create hiccups. Hot or spicy food, indigestion and alcoholic beverages can also bring on hiccups.
There are lots of methods to get rid of hiccups, some sound like old wives tales but some really work. Most of these home remedies work on the thought that the build up of carbon dioxide in the blood will help stop hiccups, like holding your breath. Below is a list of home methods you can try:
1. Holding your breath or taking deep breaths
2. Drink a glass of water quickly
3. Use smelling salts
4. Pull hard on your tongue (You try and figure this one out!)
5. Become frightened or get someone to scare you
6. Drink water upside down slowly and swallow
7. Eat fresh ginger, suck on a piece of lemon or ice
8. Eat a spoonful of sugar
You should seek medical advice if your hiccups start to affect your eating, abdominal pain is felt, persistent hiccups that last longer than 3 hours or affect you’re sleeping patterns.
In most cases for healthy people, hiccups usually go away by themselves with no serious effects. Try some of the home remedies; if your hiccups persist medical treatment may be required.
For persistent hiccups your doctor may prescribe medication to try and manage your hiccups, such as Chlorpromazine (Thorazine). The last resort treatment for hiccups is to disable the phrenic nerve which controls the diaphragm, this is sometimes considered in severe cases.
Remember to keep calm and relax, choose your method and believe it will work and breathe deeply. Your hiccups are the spasming of the diaphragm muscles, so slow and controlled breathing is best.
If you are trying a drinking method for getting rid of hiccups, try to breathe in, then swallow, exhale then swallow and so on as you drink. Colder water is better than warm.
Try not to laugh, as you will tense the muscles even more, even though some of the methods your trying can look quite funny. If your hiccups start to hurt they may be an asthma attack, you should seek medical attention straight away.
Good luck with these home remedies and finding a method that helps you get rid of your hiccups quickly and easily!
HowOMG.com
