Cause, Cure and Home Remedy of Hiccups

Hiccups occur when diaphragm contracts repeatedly causing the opening between the vocal cords to slam shut, generating the hic sound. Hiccups may be due to fast eating with the chance of swallowing air, or eating too much foods causing irritation of the diaphragm.

Cure or Home Remedy of Hiccups

Most remedies for hiccups are based on increasing blood carbon dioxide levels. Try these hiccups cure.

1. Place a tablespoon of sugar in mouth and suck slowly. In most cases, it is a sure remedy. For the authors of this web site, it works for more than 90% times. <
2. Block both ears and drink 6 ounces water without stopping to breathe. It works in more than 90% times
3. Hold your breath as long as possible, and let it go out. The lungs expand and push down on the diaphragm, stopping hiccups immediately.
4. Take a deep breathe through your mouth, lean forward and push down your stomach. Hold in that position as long as you can and then slowly exhale the air through your mouth.
5. Mix 2 tsp common salt in a cup of plain yogurt (curd, yogurt) and eat. In most cases, it is a good remedy.
6. Boil 1/2 tsp of cardamom fresh powder in 2 cup water till about 1 cup water remains, Sieve it and drink a glassful of this warm water.
7. For recurring hiccups, suck small pieces of fresh ginger.
8. Plug your ears with your fingers and drink something with a straw.
9. Lay on your back.
10. Put a paper bag over your mouth and nose and breathe several times.
11. For some eating a spoonful of peanut butter stops hiccups immediately. It can work for children also.
12. Pull your tongue out of your mouth as far as you can and hold it for a couple of seconds.
13. Plug your ears and nose and drink water.
14. Sing or laugh as loud as you can.
15. Tickle your uvula (the piece of skin that hangs down deep inside in your mouth) with a wrapped straw.
16. Engage yourself in talking with somebody and do not care about hiccups. The hiccups will stop in five minutes.

When to Consult a Doctor for Hiccups

You must consult your Doctor if

1. your hiccups last for more than three hours, and/or
2. it does not stop even after your sleep, and/or
3. there is an acute abdominal pain with hiccups, and/or
4. there is spitting up of blood.