To quickly stop the hiccup episodes, which happen due to a rapid and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, it is possible to follow some tips that make the nerves and muscles of the chest region work again at the proper pace. Some of these tips are to drink cold water, hold your breath for a few seconds and let it out slowly.
When the hiccup is persistent and lasts for more than 1 day, it is necessary to consult a general practitioner to assess the causes of the hiccup and indicate a treatment with suitable medications, which can be gabapentin, metoclopramide and baclofen.
Thus, to stop the hiccup effectively and definitively, it is important to eliminate its cause, which may be the dilation of the stomach due to overeating or overeating, ingestion of alcoholic beverages and even diseases of the brain, such as meningitis, for example. To better understand, check out what causes the hiccup.
9 tips to stop hiccups
Hiccups usually last a few seconds, and homemade techniques can be performed to make them disappear more quickly. These techniques are popular and not all have scientific proof, and the results may vary from person to person. These tips are most useful in cases of sudden and infrequent hiccups, and can be:
- Drink a glass of ice water, or suck on ice, as it stimulates the nerves of the chest; Put a cold compress on your face to help control your breathing; Hold your breath as much as you can or breathe in a paper bag, as it increases CO2 levels in the blood, and stimulates the nervous system; Breathe deeply and slowly, to stretch the diaphragm and breathing muscles; Take a fright, as it releases adrenaline that interferes with brain functioning and stimulates muscle nerves; Make splashing movements, as this helps the diaphragm to function properly again; Drink some water with the trunk tilted forward or upside down, as this relaxes the diaphragm; Cover the nose and make force to release the air, contracting the chest, called Valsalva maneuver, which is another way to stimulate the chest nerves; Eat a spoonful of sugar, honey, lemon, ginger or vinegar, as they are substances that stimulate the taste buds, overload the nerves of the mouth and occupy the brain with other stimuli, making the diaphragm relax.
In the newborn baby or even inside the mother's womb, hiccups can be caused because the diaphragm and respiratory muscles are still developing, and reflux after breastfeeding is very common. In these cases, it is recommended to breastfeed the child or, if the stomach is already full, to burp. See more on how to stop hiccups in babies.
How to prevent hiccup episodes
There is no specific method for preventing hiccups from appearing, however, it is possible to take some steps that help to reduce the chances of hiccup episodes. These measures are related to lifestyle changes such as drinking less alcohol, eating more slowly and in smaller portions and avoiding spicy foods.
In addition, some studies show that meditation, with relaxation techniques, stress reduction and acupuncture can help to reduce hiccup attacks. Check out more other benefits of acupuncture.
When to go to the doctor
If the hiccup lasts more than 1 day, it is necessary to consult a general practitioner, as it may be a persistent or chronic hiccup caused by infections, inflammations, gastrointestinal diseases or by the use of certain medications. In these situations, the doctor may request tests to investigate the cause of hiccups that do not stop.
The doctor may also prescribe some medication to treat hiccups more intensely, such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, metoclopramide and, in more severe cases, phenytoin, gabapentin or baclofen, for example. Understand how hiccup treatment is done.
