How to Get Rid of Hiccups

Hiccups can be an irritating symptom, maybe even considered uncomfortable for some, but what about those who experience hiccups often and have trouble ridding themselves of them?

What causes hiccups?

Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, which separates the chest from the abdomen.

When hiccups occur, the vocal cords close briefly, producing the familiar sound we hear and recognize as hiccups. Hiccups may also be accompanied by a slight tightening feeling in the abdomen, chest, or throat.

Hiccups usually come as a result of these common triggers:

Alcohol
Carbonated drinks
Hot drinks
Eating too fast
Gassy tummy
Large meals
Emotional stress
Smoking
Spicy foods
Sudden excitement
Sudden temperature change
Swallowing air while chewing gum or sucking candy

For some, hiccups may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

How long do hiccups last?

It is not unusual for hiccups to only last for a few minutes for most people.

Although rare, some may experience hiccups beyond 48 hours, even months. These are most likely attributed to the irritation of or damage to the phrenic or vagus nerves, which serve the diaphragm muscle.

The following factors may affect these nerves in this manner:

Cyst, goiter, or tumor in the neck
Gastroesophageal reflux
Laryngitis or sore throat
Single hair or anything in the ear touching the eardrum

Metabolic disorders and drugs can also trigger long-term hiccups, including:

Anesthesia
Diabetes
Barbiturates
Electrolyte imbalance
Kidney disease
Tranquilizers
Steroids

In addition, there are central nervous system disorders that can alter the body’s normal control of hiccups and extend them:

Encephalitis
Multiple sclerosis
Meningitis
Stroke
Tumors
Traumatic brain injury

Those that experience these persistent hiccups can experience exhaustion and weight loss. Other complications include affecting your:

Breathing
Eating
Healing of wounds after surgery
Sleeping
Speech

If your hiccups continue beyond 48 hours, schedule an appointment with your doctor to seek medical attention and to prevent further complications.

Hiccups and COVID

With COVID-19, persistent hiccups have been reported in some patient cases. Although rare, persistent hiccups are sometimes a sole sign of COVID.

Hiccups in pregnancy

For expectant moms, hiccups can become a bother.

Many expectant moms begin to feel fetal hiccups, which feel like jerky motions, in their sixth month of pregnancy. The time during the pregnancy may differ with each expectant mom, the same as fetal movement.

Hiccups after surgery

Hiccups can be triggered by anesthesia drugs that are administered to patients during surgery to prevent pain during the procedure.

These drugs can irritate the vagus nerve, resulting in hiccups after surgery. These hiccups are usually considered chronic spasms, lasting beyond 48 hours.

How to get rid of baby hiccups

Hiccups tend to be common in babies, and surprisingly, do not affect them as many would believe.

Studies show that hiccups may be an important part of breathing and brain development in babies.

If the hiccups appear to become uncomfortable for the baby, burping or giving the baby a pacifier may be helpful.

How to get rid of hiccups fast

Hiccups usually stop on their own. Even a sip or two of water helps. There are home remedies you can try for getting rid of your hiccups, such as:

Holding your breath for a few seconds/breathing or sneezing into a paper bag
Cardamom powder – boil, strain, then drink after it cools off
Ginger – chew slowly on a small peeled and cleaned piece
Lemon – take a bite
Peanut butter – eat a spoonful
Vinegar or water – take a sip

Again, if hiccups persist, seek medical attention. Other methods of getting rid of hiccups that may be suggested, depending on your underlying cause, are:

Electrical stimulation
Medications (such as amitriptyline, baclofen, chlorpromazine, dexamethasone, haloperidol, nifedipine, and some anti-convulsant medications)

If all else fails, surgery is a last resort.