How To Manage Hiccups That Won't Go Away

Hiccups are a common and usually harmless phenomenon.

It can be caused by a variety of factors, including eating too quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, or consuming spicy foods.

In most cases, hiccups go away on their own within a few minutes. However, in some cases, hiccups can persist for hours, days, or even weeks.

These prolonged or persistent hiccups are known as intractable hiccups and can be both frustrating and uncomfortable.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to manage hiccups that won't go away.

Hold Your Breath

One of the most commonly recommended remedies for hiccups is to hold your breath. This can help interrupt the hiccup cycle and provide relief. To do this, take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can. Exhale slowly and repeat as necessary.

Breathe Into a Paper Bag

Breathing into a paper bag can help increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can help interrupt the hiccup cycle. To do this, breathe slowly and deeply into a paper bag, making sure not to cover your face completely. Hold the bag tightly around your mouth and nose and continue to breathe in and out for a few minutes.

Drink Water

Drinking water can help stimulate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for controlling the hiccup reflex. To do this, take small sips of water, holding each sip in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. This can help interrupt the hiccup cycle and provide relief.

Eat Sugar

Eat a teaspoon of sugar can help stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt the hiccup cycle. To do this,place a teaspoon of sugar in your mouth and allow it to dissolve slowly in your mouth before swallowing.

Suck on a Lemon

Sucking on a lemon can also help stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt the hiccup cycle. To do this, cut a lemon into slices and suck on a slice for a few minutes, allowing the juice to coat your throat.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including intractable hiccups. Acupuncture can help stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt the hiccup cycle.

Medications

If home remedies do not provide relief, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage intractable hiccups. These medications may include muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, or antipsychotics. However, it is important to note that these medications can have side effects and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, hiccups are usually harmless and go away on their own within a few minutes. However, in some cases, hiccups can persist for hours, days, or even weeks.

These prolonged or persistent hiccups are known as intractable hiccups and can be both frustrating and uncomfortable.

If you are experiencing intractable hiccups, the above-mentioned remedies may provide relief.

However, if your hiccups persist for an extended period of time, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions.