Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle that can cause an abrupt, sharp sound resulting in a brief closure of your vocal cords.

They happen when the body experiences a sudden, uncontrolled twitch in the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.

While hiccups usually stop on their own without any intervention, they can be annoying and uncomfortable when they last for a long time. Fortunately, several remedies are available that can stop hiccups quickly and easily.

In this article, we will discuss five remedies that doctors recommend.

1. Holding Your Breath

One of the easiest and most effective remedies for hiccups recommended by doctors is holding your breath. It is a simple technique that helps control your diaphragm muscles and stop involuntary contractions, which is the cause of hiccups.

To use this method, take a deep breath and hold it as long as you can without exhaling. Doing so will increase the carbon dioxide level in your bloodstream, which relaxes the diaphragm muscles.

Keep holding your breath until you feel the urge to exhale, then slowly exhale.

2. Drinking Water

Another common remedy that doctors recommend for hiccups is drinking water. It is a simple and effective remedy that helps control the diaphragm muscles by stimulating the vagus nerve.

To use this method, take a glass of water and slowly drink it without stopping. The swallowing motion will help stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help stop hiccups quickly. Repeat this process until your hiccups stop.

3. Swallowing Granulated Sugar

Swallowing granulated sugar is another popular remedy that doctors recommend for hiccups.

It is believed that the abrasive texture of sugar can stimulate the opening between the vocal cords and reduce irritation in the lining of the esophagus, which can help alleviate hiccups.

To use this method, take a teaspoon of granulated sugar and swallow it without chewing. If the hiccups persist, continue taking the sugar every few minutes until they stop.

4. Breathing into a Paper Bag

Breathing into a paper bag is a simple and effective remedy that can help alleviate hiccups quickly. It is believed that breathing into a paper bag can increase the carbon dioxide level in your bloodstream, which may help relax the diaphragm muscles.

To use this method, take a paper bag and breathe in and out of it for several minutes. The paper bag should be a small size and held tightly over your mouth and nose. Continue breathing into the bag until your hiccups stop.

5. Gargling with Ice Water

Gargling with ice water is another remedy recommended by doctors for hiccups.

It is believed that the sudden change in temperature caused by the ice water can help stimulate the nerves in the throat, which can help reduce irritation and alleviate hiccups.

To use this method, take a glass of ice water and gargle it in your throat for a few seconds. Repeat the process until your hiccups stop.

Conclusion

Hiccups can be annoying and uncomfortable, but most of the time, they stop on their own without any intervention. However, if they last for a long time, the remedies discussed in this article can help alleviate them quickly and easily.

Holding your breath, drinking water, swallowing granulated sugar, breathing into a paper bag, and gargling with ice water are all remedies that doctors recommend for hiccups.

If your hiccups persist despite trying these remedies, you should see a doctor, as it may be a symptom of an underlying condition.