Hiccups can be aggravating and even painful if they go on for hours. Sometimes, hiccups cause embarrassment, discomfort and frustration for the sufferer. Hiccups are annoying, but getting rid of hiccups is really quite easy. There are many tips and tricks on how to stop hiccups, the key is to find one you like and remember to use it next time you get a case of hiccups.
The most commonly used method for how to stop hiccups is holding your breath. Take a deep breath, hold it for at least a two second count, and swallow twice while holding your breath. Repeat this process for three rounds. Anytime you feel a hiccup coming, take a deep breath, hold it and swallow in rounds of three until the hiccups pass. You can actually avert a lengthy attack by stopping it as it as soon as it begins through controlled breathing. Since it works and you do not need anything to perform this hiccup remedy, most people find the controlled breath technique the easiest answer to how to cure hiccups.
Another common how to stop hiccups cure is drinking water while your head is inverted. Fill a large mouthed cup and bend at the waist with your head between your legs. Drink from the cup while in this inverted position and try not to breathe as you drink. If you find you need to take a breath, do not stand upright, continue to drink, breathe through your nose and do not stop until you have finished the entire cup of water. Once the water is gone, remain bent at the waist for a couple of breaths and then return to an upright position. You should be hiccup free.
Another how to stop hiccups cure most people find easy and effective involves the use of sugar. By overloading the tongue’s nerve endings with sweetness, a sugar overload can halt hiccups. Place a teaspoonful of sugar at the back of the tongue and swallow, repeat a couple of times if necessary.
Getting rid of hiccups can also be accomplished by manipulation of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve reaches into the auditory system and some people claim stopping your ears can activate that nerve and cure hiccups. Just be sure to be gentle and do not stick your fingers deeply or aggressively into your ears. You do not want to cause ear damage while getting rid of hiccups, so be careful and gentle when using this technique. The vagus nerve is also called into play when using the hiccup cure scare technique. Having someone or something scare you can overwhelm the vagus nerve and end hiccups quickly.
If you have tried all the above methods and nothing has worked, try taking an antacid. Antacids with magnesium are particularly helpful in getting rid of hiccups. One or two tablets should do the trick, and your hiccups should be gone.
Hiccups are annoying and often uncomfortable. Once you know how to stop hiccups, you can stop them quickly if you remember these tips. In addition to the above techniques, avoid eating quickly, spicy foods and overeating to prevent the onset of hiccups. Experts agree hiccups are often brought on as a signal from the digestive system. Sent to your body as a signal to slow down the pace of your eating, to back off alcohol, spices or foods hiccups can be a warning sign of overindulgence. Listen to your body and limit your intake of alcohol, spicy or irritating foods. Remember these tips and eat at a slow, steady pace and never again be bothered by seemingly never-ending, uncomfortable, embarrassing and annoying hiccups.