Hiccups or Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (SDF) are quite common and very annoying too. It occurs due to the involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle and the irritation of the nerves that extend from the neck to the chest. Many conditions such as swallowing air with food, overeating, drinking too fast, as well as certain health conditions like damage to the phrenic nerve, strokes, and brain tumors, can cause hiccups.


Here are 7 simple tried and tested tricks that you can do on your own to get rid of hiccups.


Try breathing into a paper bag 

woman breathing in a paper bag=
Breathing slowly and deeply into a small paper bag increases the carbon dioxide level in the blood and makes the diaphragm contract more deeply to bring in more oxygen. Thus, interfering the hiccups to stop.


Hold your breath 

woman man holding his breath=
Breathe in and hold your breath for as long as possible, and swallow your saliva when you feel the hiccup sensation coming. Take a deep breath and repeat again. Do this exercise 2 or 3 times. It is the simplest way to stop the hiccups. 


Clog both the ears with your index fingers 

man clogging his ears=
Stick your fingers in both the ears for 30 seconds and do not breathe. Then remove the fingers and breathe slowly. Repeat this action 2-3 times to get relief from hiccups. 


Suck some lemon juice

woman suckking lemon slice=
Slice a lemon and suck on it slowly like a piece of candy. This will help to get rid of the hiccup.   


Gargle with iced water

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Pour some water into a cup or glass filled with ice cubes and slowly gargle with it. This too helps to stop hiccups.


Have a mouthful of sugar

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Eat 1-2 tablespoon of sugar granules. The graininess of the sugar may relax the irritated esophagus and thus eliminate the hiccups.


Gulp some vinegar drops

apple cider vinegar=
Take a teaspoonful of vinegar and slowly drop some of it in your mouth. Its sour taste could stop a hiccup. 


Hiccups mostly stop within minutes to an hour. However, if it persists for any longer duration and interferes with your ability to breathe, eat, or sleep then consult a Neurologist immediately for the right medical assistance. It might be a signal to any major health condition.


For any query related to hiccups consult a Physician at www.healthcaremagic.com  

About the Author

Priya Singh

Priya Singh is a professional writer and editor with 13 years of experience in writing/editing health and lifestyle content for diverse verticals such as magazine, newspaper, and digital media.


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