How to Get Rid of Hiccups: A Step-by-Step Guide with 10 Different Methods

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic “hic” sound. They can be annoying and sometimes difficult to stop. While most cases of hiccups resolve on their own, there are numerous methods to help get rid of them quickly. This guide provides ten effective techniques for getting rid of hiccups, including five additional methods tailored specifically for kids.

Methods to Get Rid of Hiccups

Method 1: Holding Your Breath

Instructions:

1. Take a Deep Breath: Inhale deeply to fill your lungs completely.
2. Hold Your Breath: Hold your breath for as long as you can comfortably. Aim for about 10-20 seconds.
3. Exhale Slowly: Exhale slowly and calmly through your mouth.
4. Repeat as Needed: Repeat this process a few times until the hiccups stop.

Why It Works:
Holding your breath increases carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which may relax the diaphragm and stop the hiccups.

Method 2: Drinking Water Quickly

Instructions:

1. Fill a Glass of Water: Fill a glass with cold water.
2. Drink Quickly: Drink the water quickly in one continuous gulp without pausing.
3. Swallow Frequently: Ensure you are swallowing frequently and continuously.
4. Repeat if Necessary: If hiccups persist, repeat the process.

Why It Works:
Swallowing water quickly can stimulate the vagus nerve, which may help reset the diaphragm and stop the hiccups.

Method 3: Swallowing a Spoonful of Sugar

Instructions:

1. Take a Spoonful: Measure out one teaspoon of granulated sugar.
2. Swallow the Sugar: Swallow the spoonful of sugar dry without water.
3. Wait for Results: Wait a few moments to see if the hiccups stop.

Why It Works:
Swallowing sugar can stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt the hiccup reflex.

Method 4: Sipping Ice Cold Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare Cold Water: Pour a glass of very cold water with ice.
2. Sip Slowly: Take small, continuous sips without pausing.
3. Focus on Breathing: Ensure you are breathing slowly and calmly while sipping.
4. Continue Until Hiccups Stop: Keep sipping until the hiccups cease.

Why It Works:
The cold temperature of the water can shock the system and help reset the nerve pathways associated with hiccups.

Method 5: Using a Paper Towel

Instructions:

1. Fill a Glass of Water: Fill a glass with water.
2. Cover with Paper Towel: Place a clean paper towel over the top of the glass.
3. Drink Through the Towel: Drink the water through the paper towel.
4. Repeat if Needed: If hiccups continue, repeat the process.

Why It Works:
Drinking through a paper towel requires more effort to swallow, which can help stimulate the vagus nerve and reset the diaphragm.

Method 6: Gargling with Cold Water

Instructions:

1. Pour Cold Water: Pour a glass of cold water.
2. Gargle: Take a sip of the water and gargle for 30 seconds.
3. Spit Out Water: Spit out the water after gargling.
4. Repeat if Necessary: Repeat until the hiccups stop.

Why It Works:
Gargling cold water stimulates the vagus nerve, which may help stop the hiccup reflex.

Method 7: Using a Straw to Drink Upside Down

Instructions:

1. Fill a Glass: Fill a glass with water.
2. Lean Forward: Bend over and place your head below your waist.
3. Drink from the Opposite Rim: Place a straw on the rim of the glass farthest from you and drink while upside down.
4. Straighten Up Slowly: After drinking, straighten up slowly.

Why It Works:
Drinking upside down changes the usual swallowing mechanism, which may interrupt the hiccup reflex.

Method 8: Breathing into a Paper Bag

Instructions:

1. Find a Paper Bag: Use a small paper bag (avoid plastic bags).
2. Seal Around Your Mouth: Hold the bag around your mouth and nose.
3. Breathe Deeply: Breathe in and out slowly and deeply into the bag for about 10 breaths.
4. Remove Bag: Remove the bag and breathe normally. Repeat if necessary.

Why It Works:
Breathing into a paper bag increases carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which may calm the diaphragm and stop hiccups.

Method 9: Pulling on Your Tongue

Instructions:

1. Grasp Your Tongue: Use a clean tissue or cloth to grasp the tip of your tongue.
2. Pull Gently: Pull your tongue out slightly, extending it forward.
3. Hold for a Few Seconds: Hold the tongue out for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Release and Repeat: Repeat if the hiccups persist.

Why It Works:
Pulling on your tongue stimulates the vagus nerve, which can interrupt the hiccup reflex arc.

Method 10: Applying Pressure to the Diaphragm

Instructions:

1. Lie Down: Lie down on your back on a flat surface.
2. Apply Pressure: Use your hands to gently press down on your diaphragm area, just below your ribcage.
3. Breathe Normally: Breathe slowly and deeply while applying pressure.
4. Continue Until Hiccups Stop: Maintain pressure until the hiccups cease.

Why It Works:
Applying pressure to the diaphragm helps relax it, potentially stopping the involuntary spasms causing hiccups.

Methods to Get Rid of Hiccups for Kids

Hiccups in children can be particularly bothersome, especially if they are frequent or persistent. Here are five kid-friendly methods to help stop hiccups:

Method 1: Drinking a Glass of Water Slowly

Instructions:

1. Fill a Glass: Fill a glass with room temperature water.
2. Take Small Sips: Encourage the child to take small, continuous sips without pausing.
3. Ensure Slow Swallowing: Remind the child to swallow slowly and steadily.
4. Repeat if Needed: If hiccups continue, repeat the process.

Why It Works:
Slow sips of water can help reset the diaphragm by creating a rhythmic swallowing pattern.

Method 2: Eating a Spoonful of Honey

Instructions:

1. Measure Honey: Measure a small spoonful of honey.
2. Give to the Child: Have the child eat the honey slowly, without drinking water immediately after.
3. Wait for Results: Wait a few minutes to see if the hiccups stop.

Why It Works:
Honey can soothe the throat and stimulate the vagus nerve, interrupting the hiccup reflex.

Method 3: Having the Child Hold Their Breath

Instructions:

1. Encourage Deep Breathing: Have the child take a deep breath in.
2. Hold Breath: Ask the child to hold their breath for as long as they can comfortably.
3. Exhale Slowly: Guide them to exhale slowly and gently.
4. Repeat as Necessary: Repeat the process if the hiccups persist.

Why It Works:
Holding the breath increases carbon dioxide in the blood, which may help relax the diaphragm and stop hiccups.

Method 4: Tickling the Child

Instructions:

1. Start Tickling: Gently tickle the child under the arms or on the belly.
2. Continue Until Laughter: Continue until the child laughs.
3. Pause and Observe: Stop tickling and observe if the hiccups have ceased.

Why It Works:
Laughter involves deep breaths and contractions of the diaphragm, which can help reset the muscle and stop hiccups.

Method 5: Giving the Child a Distraction

Instructions:

1. Choose a Distraction: Pick a fun activity, such as playing a game or telling a joke.
2. Engage the Child: Engage the child in the activity to divert their attention from the hiccups.
3. Observe the Results: Notice if the hiccups stop as the child becomes engrossed in the activity.

Why It Works:
Distraction can help reduce anxiety or stress associated with hiccups, potentially stopping them.

Conclusion

Hiccups can be an annoying and persistent problem, but there are many methods to try that may help stop them quickly. From holding your breath and drinking water to applying pressure to the diaphragm, these techniques work by interrupting the reflex arc that causes hiccups. For children, gentle and fun methods such as tickling or using distractions can be particularly effective. Remember to consult a healthcare professional if hiccups persist for more than 48 hours or cause significant discomfort.

References

1. “How to Get Rid of Hiccups,” Mayo Clinic, available at MayoClinic.org.
2. “Hiccups: Causes and Treatments,” WebMD, available at WebMD.com.
3. “How to Stop Hiccups: 15 Remedies That Work,” Healthline, available at [Healthline