6 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Continuous Hiccups

We've all been there – that annoying, abrupt spasm in your diaphragm that causes you to inhale quickly and make that "hic" sound. Hiccups can be harmless, but when they persist for more than a few minutes, they become a real nuisance.

The good news is that there are several simple, effective remedies to get rid of hiccups fast. This guide will walk you through the most popular tricks so you can find instant relief the next time hiccups strike.

What Causes Hiccups?

Before delving into hiccups, it helps to understand what causes them so you can try to avoid triggers. Hiccups occur when your diaphragm, the large muscle involved in breathing, starts contracting involuntarily. This spasm causes a sudden intake of breath that gets interrupted by your vocal cords snapping shut, creating that signature "hic" sound.

Common triggers for hiccups include:

• Eating too much or too quickly
• Gulping down carbonated drinks
• Consuming spicy foods
• Feeling stressed or excited
• Drinking alcohol
• Sudden changes in temperature

The good news is that hiccups normally go away on their own within a few minutes as your diaphragm relaxes. But when they persist, you want solutions to stop hiccups fast.

6 Remedies to Get Rid of Continuous Hiccups

1. Breathing Exercises: One of the fastest ways to stop hiccups is by disrupting your normal breathing pattern. This relaxes the spasms in your diaphragm. Try these techniques:
   • Slow, deep breathing: Inhale for 5 counts, exhale for 5 counts.
   • Hold your breath: Take a big gulp of air and hold it for 10-20 seconds.
   • Breathe into a paper bag: Helps control the intake and output of air.
   • Hug your knees: Put pressure on your diaphragm.
   • Valsalva Maneuver: Hold your breath and bear down.
2. Apply Pressure to Key Points: Applying gentle pressure to certain areas signals your body to relax your diaphragm and stop the spasms. Try these pressure points:
   • Squeeze the bridge of your nose.
   • Massage your carotid artery: Gently rub the sides of your neck.
3. Eat or Drink: You can also stimulate the nerves connected to your diaphragm by eating or drinking certain things:
   • Sip ice-cold water.
   • Suck on an ice cube.
   • Drink from the “other side” of a glass, as if you're upside down.
   • Eat a spoonful of sugar.
   • Suck on a lemon slice.
   • Have a drop of vinegar.
4. Get a Back Pat: A simple back pat can banish stubborn hiccups in an instant. Having someone firmly pat your upper back releases tension in the diaphragm muscle that causes hiccups.
   • Ask someone to pat your upper back along the spine.
   • They should pat from the base of your neck down your back.
   • The firm patting motion releases tension.
   • This relaxes the spasming diaphragm muscle.
   • With the muscle relaxed, the hiccups stop.
   • It's a quick and easy hiccup remedy.
5. Pull Your Tongue: Tugging your tongue can halt hiccups through a simple nerve trick. This remedy stimulates the throat to stop the diaphragm spasms causing hiccups.
   • Gently pull your tongue forward one or two times. Don't yank too hard to avoid injury.
   • Lightly pulling triggers nerves and muscles in the throat. This stimulation interrupts the hiccup reflex. 
   • The vagus nerve is signaled to stop the spasms and your throat and diaphragm muscles relax.  This easy nerve trick can cease the hiccups. 
6. Plug Your Ears: This remedy signals your vagus nerve to relax the diaphragm spasms causing hiccups. With the spasms stopped, the hiccups cease. It's a quick home remedy:
   • Use your fingers to plug both ear canals.
   • Press behind the earlobes in the indentations.
   • Plugging the ears tricks the vagus nerve that controls the diaphragm muscle.

When To Seek Medical Help?

Most hiccups resolve within minutes or hours. But if they persist over 2 days or you get them frequently, see your doctor. Chronic hiccups may signal:

• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis

For severe cases, medications may be prescribed.

Conclusion

While a nuisance, most hiccups fade quickly on their own. But you can act and find fast relief through breathing techniques, pressure points, stimulation remedies, and more. Avoid known triggers like carbonated or spicy foods and get medical help for persistent hiccups. With so many home remedies, you can get rid of hiccups instantly!