Hiccups are often caused by damage to or irritation of the phrenic and vagus nerves that control the diaphragm. The diaphragm then spasms involuntarily, causing the hiccups. Some of the possible causes of hiccups include eating too quickly, nervousness or excitement, sudden changes of temperature and drinking carbonated beverages. Although there is no secret key to eliminating hiccups, some folk remedies--such as breathing into a paper bag--make medical sense since they help override the signals sent by the irritated nerves. You may need to try several of these remedies until you find one that works.
Step 1
Swallow a teaspoon of sugar, honey or peanut butter. Wait to see if the hiccups go away.
Step 2
Fill a glass with ice water. Drink from the far side of the glass. If your hiccups haven’t gone away yet, go on to Step 3.
Step 3
Swish some of the ice water (just the water itself, not the ice) into your mouth, tip your head back and gargle.
Step 4
Place a paper bag over your nose and mouth and breathe into it. This increases the level of carbon dioxide in your blood, which may help stop the hiccups. Or, as an alternative, you can simply hold your breath for at least 10 seconds.
Step 5
Ask someone to scare or startle you. Obviously, they may have to wait a few minutes to do so until your attention is elsewhere.
Step 6
Cut a lemon in half. Sprinkle salt on the cut end of the lemon, then suck on the lemon.
Things You'll Need
- 1 tsp. honey, sugar or peanut butter
- Glass of ice water
- Paper bag
- Lemon
- Dash of salt
