Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, followed by the sudden closure of your vocal cords, which produces the "hic" sound. Although hiccups usually go away on their own, they can be annoying and disruptive. Here are some methods to help you get rid of hiccups quickly:
Sipping cold water can help stimulate the vagus nerve and stop the hiccups. You can also try drinking from the opposite side of the glass for an additional trick.
Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can. This increases the carbon dioxide levels in your bloodstream, which can help stop the hiccups. More about holding your breath.
Swallowing a teaspoon of sugar can stimulate the vagus nerve, interrupting the hiccup reflex. Learn how sugar helps.
Sucking on a lemon wedge can provide a sudden shock to your system, which might help stop the hiccups. Benefits of biting on a lemon.
Place a paper towel over a glass and drink through it. The added effort required to suck the liquid through the paper towel can help reset your diaphragm. More about using a paper towel.
Gently pulling on your tongue can stimulate the vagus nerve and potentially stop the hiccups. Learn more about pulling on your tongue.
Gargling with cold water can help stimulate the vagus nerve and stop the hiccups. More about gargling with cold water.
Gently pressing on your diaphragm (the area just below your rib cage) can help stop the spasms causing the hiccups. Learn how to apply pressure.
Hiccups are usually harmless and go away on their own, but if they persist for more than 48 hours or are causing significant discomfort, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. In the meantime, try these simple techniques to get rid of hiccups and find relief quickly.