How to Stop Hiccups Fast?

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords, producing that characteristic ‘hic’ sound. While usually harmless, they can sometimes be quite bothersome. So, what can you do when those pesky hiccups strike?

1. Breathing and Posture Techniques

• Hold your breath: Take a deep breath, hold it for about 10-20 seconds, and then exhale slowly. Repeat if necessary.
• Breathe into a paper bag: Slowly breathe in and out of a paper bag (not plastic) to increase carbon dioxide in your blood.
• Knees to chest: Sit down, hug your knees to your chest, and lean forward slightly to compress your diaphragm.

2. Swallowing Tricks

• Drink water slowly: Sip cold water steadily or drink a full glass in small gulps.
• Drink upside down: Bend forward and drink water from the far rim of a glass.
• Swallow sugar: Put a teaspoon of granulated sugar on your tongue and let it dissolve before swallowing.
• Try a sour or bitter taste: Suck on a lemon wedge or sip a little vinegar.

3. Distraction and Relaxation

• Focus on your breathing: Take slow, controlled breaths to calm your diaphragm.
• Pull on your tongue: Gently pull your tongue forward to stimulate the vagus nerve.
• Massage your neck: Rub the carotid artery area gently on one side of your neck.

When home remedies fail, persistent or severe hiccups may require medical intervention. Below are medical approaches and treatments to stop hiccups:

1. Medications

Doctors may prescribe medications to help stop persistent hiccups. Common options include:

• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine): A common first-line treatment for persistent hiccups.
• Metoclopramide (Reglan): Often used to improve stomach motility and relieve hiccups caused by digestive issues.
• Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that can help calm the diaphragm.
• Gabapentin (Neurontin): Used in some cases to treat hiccups, particularly when caused by nerve irritation.
• Anticonvulsants or sedatives: For hiccups associated with neurological issues, medications like valproic acid or benzodiazepines might be considered.

2. Procedures

If medications do not work, the following procedures may help:

• Phrenic Nerve Block: An injection of an anesthetic to temporarily block the nerve controlling the diaphragm.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): In cases of severe, chronic hiccups, a small device can be implanted to stimulate the vagus nerve.
• Gastric Decompression: Using a nasogastric tube to relieve pressure in the stomach if bloating is contributing to hiccups.

3. Underlying Condition Management

If hiccups are due to a specific medical condition (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux disease, brain injury, or infection), treating the root cause is critical:

• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux.
• Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants for inflammatory conditions.
• Surgery or imaging if a tumor or lesion is pressing on nerves.

4. Non-invasive Therapies

• Acupuncture: Stimulating specific points on the body may help stop hiccups, particularly if they are stress-related.
• Behavioral therapy: In cases linked to psychological factors, stress management or cognitive-behavioral therapy can help.

When to Consider Medical Methods

Accompanied by severe

Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours (persistent hiccups).