Hiccups are uncontrollable and repetitive sounds that come from the diaphragm. They are harmless and can be treated in a few minutes. It is caused by a spasm present in the diaphragm that produces a ‘hic’ sound. This may be a symptom of severe illness if it lasts for a long time. It can also happen during surgery and the recovery process.
The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest and stomach area and also helps you breathe in and out. It is usually present in the body’s ribcage and moves downward and upward during the process of breathing. It plays a significant role in the body. The important parts of the breathing process are Vagus and Phrenic nerve. So if you are also eager to know how to get rid of hiccups their causes and the remedies then you are on the right page. Here we’ll discuss these things in brief so read this till last.
Causes of Hiccups
Hicupps affect everyone whether they are adults or babies. The low level of carbon dioxide in the blood and irritation of nerves are some of the problems that might cause hiccups. A few common causes of hiccups that may occur in people include:
- Eating food and drinking water too quickly.
- Eating too much.
- Overstretching the neck.
- Due to fear and more excitement.
- Consuming very hot or very cold drinks (tea, coffee, juices, etc.)
- Taking drugs, alcohol, or carbonated beverages.
- If you have a bloated stomach.
- Metabolic disorder
- If anyone is trying to lose weight and doesn’t eat properly or is on a ketogenic diet.
Certain medical conditions also cause hiccups including Cancer, tumors, stomach disorders, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Uremia, central nervous system disorders irritation in the pancreas and gall bladder, Lepatitis, Lesions, etc., which are larger and underlying problems of hiccups. Imaging tests, lab tests, and endoscopic tests are the solutions to treat hiccups.
Persistent hiccups are those hiccups that do not go away within a few minutes or days, whereas intractable hiccups are those hiccups that last for a few months. The intractable hiccups are also known as long-lasting hiccups. This type of hiccup is rare, stressful, and exhausting. This leads to larger and underlying medical problems. It might not go away until the problem is resolved or treated.
Tips: How to Stop Hiccups Instantly at Home
There are several tips to reduce or stop hiccups which are as follows:
Drink ice-cold water
The slow drinking of ice-cold water helps to stimulate the vagus nerve. It keeps the body from overheating and makes for a successful workout session, as well. It reduces or stops irritation diaphragm and allows the normal movement of the diaphragm function.
The momentum gets relaxed by drinking ice-cold water quickly. It also removes excess amounts of spasms and reduces breathing problems.
Eat a spoonful of sugar
Eating or granulating a spoon of sugar helps to reduce or stop hiccup problems. According to a study carried out in 1971, it showed that 19 out of 20 patients got rid of hiccups by taking a teaspoon of sugar.
It affects the vagus nerve in the diaphragm and connects the brain with the stomach. The spasms were interrupted by eating a teaspoon of sugar.
Taste lemon or vinegar
It is one of the most common remedies which helps to get rid of hiccups. It involves eating a few lemons or drinking vinegar.
According to Dr. Jay Howard Herman and bartender David S. Nolan, 14 out of 16 patients recovered from hiccup problems in less than 1 minute. The New England Journal of Medicine published their study.
Breathe Slowly
Breathing slowly or breathing into a paper bag is also an important way to prevent hiccup problems. This helps to increase the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. This prevents it from damaging the diaphragm. This type of remedy helps to create stimulus. It interrupts the signals which causes reflex.
Pull Knees to the Chest
Pulling the knees to the chest is another physical remedy to lower the hiccup problem. According to Dr. Neshiewat, it helps to relieve pain and pressure from the diaphragm. This method is also known as knees-to-chest stretch. It increases the flexibility of the joints. This helps to reduce stiffness which is associated with spinal arthritis.
The method of pulling the knees to the chest helps to lubricate the joints, increases the flow of blood, and delivers nutrients. It is helpful for those people who suffer from osteoarthritis.
Medications
Medication is another important way to get rid of hiccups for the treatment of long-time hiccups. Baclofen, Chlorpromazine, and Metoclopramide are the common medicines that are helpful to treat hiccups.
Chlorpromazine is an approved medication through the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Phenytoin, Valproic acid, and Carbamazepine are several agents that help to treat intractable hiccups in people.
Metoclopramide and Haloperidol are some of the medicines used for its successful treatment. Additionally, Ketamine is the most successful agent to prevent hiccups.
Rectal Massage
The digital method of rectal massage is used to treat hiccups in persons with serious conditions. These serious problems are known as chronic hiccups. Treatment is possible through the insertion of a tube in the rectum. The tube moves slowly and circularly. This digital rectal massage method is used to effectively treat hiccups in 7 out of 7 patients. The nerves in the rectum are stimulated by the rectal massage method. This leads to an effective termination of hiccups.
Conclusion
Hiccups appear only for the last few minutes. But it is very annoying and embarrassing especially when they occur in public places or in the office. Eating spicy food and heavy meals, drinking very hot or very cold water, drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages, smoking, taking certain medicines, strong emotions and stress, and many more are the main causes. So, you should avoid these things to prevent hiccups.
Long-time hiccups are very harmful. It leads to the damage of the diaphragm. This causes a lack of proper sleep and irritation in muscles.