How to Manage Hiccups

When we get hiccups, they are nothing but a nuisance to us. They just seem to appear out of nowhere for no apparent reason. Luckily, most of them resolve by itself within minutes. However, in a minority of the cases, they can last for several hours, weeks, or even years! The longest recorded attack of hiccups had a duration of 68 years. This was even documented in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Causes of Hiccups

A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm, a muscle that helps us breathe which also divides the chest and abdomen, suddenly contracts, and the epiglottis, a flap above the vocal chords closes. Air is sucked in as the diaphragm contracts now causing the characteristic “hic” sound that abruptly stops.

Although the exact cause is not yet fully understood, the occurrence of hiccups can be traced to the phrenic nerve, the nerve controlling the diaphragm, and related structures such as the vagus nerve. Many experts believe that one of these two nerves may be irritated, particularly the vagus nerve. This in turn affects the phrenic nerve which leads to the diaphragm, causing involuntary spasms. The contractions may be triggered by eating too fast, excessive alcohol consumption, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, smoking, and stress. Certain drugs and certain medical conditions like Tourette syndrome are also thought to set off hiccups.

Ten Techniques to Try

We have heard of home remedies to ward off the “hic” cough. Here are the top 10 tried-and-true techniques:

• Hold your breath as long as possible. This is thought to work based on the principle that once the body experiences an overwhelming sensation, such as the lack of oxygen from holding one’s breath, the brain shuts off the hiccup response to attend to the more important stimulus.

• Hold a paper bag tightly over the mouth and nose, and breathe in and out rapidly for several times. Be sure to use paper, not plastic bag. This increases the levels of carbon dioxide in the body, making it more concerned with getting rid of the excess CO2 than causing hiccups.

• Drink water as this will interrupt the hic cycle. The epiglottis will be “forced” to shut close to give way for water to pass through the esophagus instead of going to the wind pipe. Gargling may also have the same effect.

• Apply cold into one side of the Adam’s apple. The cold is said to block the nerve signals that causes the hiccups. But be careful not to place it near the carotid artery as this may affect blood pressure.

• Sir down and lean forward. Pull up the knees to compress the chest for a few minutes.
• Have someone scare you--for real.

• Drink water from the far rim of the glass.

• Many say that a teaspoonful of sugar could help get rid of the hiccups. This is said to make the vagus nerve more concerned with the sweet sensation rather than making the hiccups impulses. In an 1971 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, sugar may also be placed under the tongue.

• Eat slowly. In some way, eating too fast can irritate the vagus nerve causing hiccups. Do the same for alcohol. Drink in moderation as alcohol may also irritate the stomach and subsequently, the vagus nerve nearby.

• Avoid spicy meals. Spicy foods too may irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. They can also cause acid from the stomach to leak into the food pipe which can bring on hiccups.

When You Can’t Stop the Spell

Most of the time, patience is the key to stopping the hiccups. In fact, they simply resolve by itself in a matter of minutes. Hiccups can occur at with an average of three to five times annually for each person. However, if the hiccups become chronic, or disturb eating, sleep, or work, it’s time to visit the doctor. Note the activities you just did prior to experiencing the hiccups. In some scenarios, hiccups may be caused by other reasons. Report immediately to your physician if you have noticed a bout of hiccups after taking medications. Persistent hiccups may also be due to underlying medical disorders such as infection, cancer, nervous system disorders, and problems of the renal system or digestive tract.

In rare cases, there might be a need to take antispasmodics, antacids, or sedatives to help calm the digestive system. In severe, persistent cases, surgery may be performed to cut the nerve that is triggering the hiccups.