Although not harmful, some people considered hiccups as an annoyance since it disrupts their comfort and concentration. There are no known hiccup treatments accepted by the experts. This is due to the fact there are no clear scientific evidence and medical literature.
But, even though there are no available drugs to treat this condition, these six effective home remedies are worth trying to stop hiccups.
- Try To Squeeze Your Palm
This is a stimulation technique wherein you squeeze your palm using the thumb and forefinger of your other hand. Experts suggest that this action could distract the nervous system, resulting in getting rid of the hiccups. The harder you squeeze it, the better.
- Try To Get Frightened or Scared
This technique is often used for children. According to Live Science, this may actually work in a dual manner by "jump-starting the breath pattern while also giving an overriding stimulus to the sympathetic nervous system." That means that the fight-or-flight stress response of the body is being activated. However, remember not to do this action to people who are suffering from certain conditions, such as heart problems.
- Orgasm
The vagus nerve plays a major role during hiccups as it coordinates the vocal cords, swallowing, and breathing. Dr. Francis Fesmire, the late American physician and Ig Nobel Prize-winner, said that orgasm could stimulate the vagus nerve, suggesting that sex with orgasm cures intractable hiccups.
- Swallowing A Spoonful Of Common Ingredients
Swallowing common ingredients such as peanut butter, honey, vinegar, or sugar helps other people in getting rid of their hiccups. A spoonful of sugar is the most commonly suggested, but it is not yet clear if it should be consumed dry or with a glass of water.
- Water
A lot of people suggest that drinking water in an unusual way disrupts the spasms of the diaphragm. But, experts say that it doesn't matter how you drink your water as swallowing could change the breathing pattern.
- Breathing-Based Technique
When you hold your breath or breathe into a paper bag, the carbon dioxide is building up and relaxes the diaphragm which can bring in more oxygen. Dr. Duane Hurst, a specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, could provide evidence in this method as he was able to help a patient suffering from hiccups through breathing technique. He utilized an electrocardiogram to detect the respiration rate that helped ease her nervous system.