Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle that occur repeatedly, causing a sound resembling a ‘hic’. Hiccups usually last for a few minutes, but can last longer and cause severe discomfort. Although there are several remedies available to cure hiccups, most of them involve consuming something. So, what should you do when you want to stop hiccups without anything? Here are some of the most effective ways that can help you stop hiccups without consuming anything.
How do hiccups occur?
Hiccups occur due to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm muscle plays an essential role in breathing by separating the chest from the abdomen, and the lungs from the stomach. When the diaphragm contracts suddenly, your vocal cords shut, and the air gets blocked, creating the sound of a hiccup. Hiccups can occur due to various reasons, such as eating too fast, swallowing air, or having an irritated diaphragm muscle.
Hold your breath
One of the simplest ways to stop hiccups is by holding your breath. Holding your breath stops the diaphragm muscles from contracting, thus halting the hiccups. To perform this method, take a deep breath, hold for as long as you can, and slowly exhale. Repeat until the hiccups have stopped.
Breathe into a paper bag
Breathing into a paper bag increases the carbon dioxide level in the body and slows down the breathing rate. This process helps to relax the diaphragm muscles, which ultimately stops hiccups. To perform this method, exhale fully, put a paper bag securely around your mouth and nose, and breathe in very slowly and deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds and exhale slowly. Repeat until the hiccups stop.
Press the diaphragm muscles
Pressing the diaphragm muscles may help to stop hiccups. To perform this method, sit down and place your fingers on the muscles just above the navel. Push in slowly with your fingers, exhale, and hold your breath for as long as you can. This will help to relax the diaphragm muscles and stop hiccups.
Gargle with water
Gargling with water may help to stop hiccups as it stimulates the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the stomach. Stimulation of this nerve helps to reset the diaphragm, thus stopping hiccups. To perform this method, take a glass of water and gargle with it for ten seconds. Repeat until the hiccups stop.
Drink water slowly
Drinking water slowly may help to stop hiccups as it helps to soothe the irritated diaphragm muscle. The cold temperature of the water may help to shock the diaphragm muscle, allowing it to relax and stop hiccups. To perform this method, take a glass of water, and drink it slowly over a span of a few minutes. Repeat until the hiccups stop.
Massage your throat
Massaging your throat may help to soothe the irritated diaphragm muscle and stop hiccups. To perform this method, place your hand on your throat just below the Adam’s apple. Apply firm pressure and massage the area for a few seconds. Repeat until the hiccups stop.
Suck on a lemon
Sucking on a lemon may help to stop hiccups as the sour taste of the lemon may help to stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps to stop the diaphragm muscle from contracting. To perform this method, cut a lemon into wedges, suck on a wedge for a few seconds, and repeat until the hiccups stop.
Use the Valsalva maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is a technique that involves closing the mouth and nose and exhaling forcefully. This technique helps to increase the pressure in the chest and lungs, which helps to reset the diaphragm muscle, stopping hiccups. To perform this method, close your mouth and nose, and exhale as forcefully as you can. Hold your breath for a few seconds and repeat until the hiccups stop.
Breathe slowly and deeply
Breathing slowly and deeply may help to relax the diaphragm muscles, thus stopping hiccups. To perform this method, sit down, take a deep breath, and exhale slowly. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Repeat until the hiccups stop.
Conclusion
There are various remedies to stop hiccups without consuming anything. These methods are simple to perform and highly effective for cases of mild hiccups. If the hiccups continue for a longer period, it is best to consult a doctor.
FAQs
- Q: Can stress cause hiccups?
A: Yes, stress can cause hiccups. - Q: Can hiccups be a sign of a more serious condition?
A: Yes, hiccups that last longer than 48 hours can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or cancer. - Q: How do I stop hiccups that last for a longer period?
A: If hiccups last for a longer period, it is best to consult a doctor. - Q: What is the Valsalva maneuver?
A: The Valsalva maneuver is a technique that involves closing the mouth and nose and exhaling forcefully. - Q: How long does a hiccup last?
A: Hiccups usually last for a few minutes, but can last longer.
References:
- Jarvis, S. (2016). Hic! The curious case of hiccups and what makes us do it. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/mar/16/hic-the-curious-case-of-hiccups-and-what-makes-us-do-it
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Hiccups. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/symptoms-causes/syc-20352613
- Morgan, T. (2019). 10 ways to get rid of hiccups that actually work. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-hiccups#overview
- NHS. (2019). Hiccups. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiccups/