Hiccups can be a nuisance, but fortunately, there are several doctor-approved remedies that can help you get rid of them.

Whether it’s holding your breath or trying various other techniques, these methods are backed by medical professionals and have been shown to provide relief from hiccups. In this article, we will explore ten doctor-approved ways to stop hiccups and provide insights into why they work.

1. Hold your breath

One of the most common and effective methods to stop hiccups is by holding your breath. Take a deep breath in and hold it for as long as you can. This action helps regulate the diaphragm and interrupts the pattern of hiccups.

You can repeat this process a few times if necessary until the hiccups subside.

2. Drink water

Sipping water or gargling with it can help stop hiccups. The act of swallowing interrupts the spasms in the diaphragm, which are responsible for hiccups. Take small sips of water slowly and hold it in your mouth for a moment before swallowing.

This method can provide quick relief for many individuals.

3. Use a paper bag

Another doctor-endorsed technique is breathing into a paper bag. By doing this, you increase the level of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream, which can help regulate your diaphragm and stop hiccups.

Simply breathe in and out slowly and deeply into the bag for a few minutes until your hiccups disappear.

4. Bite on a lemon

The sour taste of a lemon can stimulate the nerves in your throat and mouth, interrupting the hiccup reflex. Take a small bite of a lemon or suck on a lemon wedge for a few seconds, allowing the sourness to work its magic and halt the hiccups.

5. Pull your knees to your chest

Lying down and pulling your knees to your chest compresses the diaphragm, offering relief from hiccups. This position helps reset the diaphragm’s rhythmic contractions, stopping the hiccups. Hold this position for a few seconds and then release.

Repeat a few times until the hiccups stop.

6. Try a spoonful of sugar

Many people swear by the spoonful of sugar method to stop hiccups. The granules of sugar can stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen and plays a role in regulating hiccups.

Simply place a spoonful of sugar on your tongue and let it dissolve slowly.

7. Apply gentle pressure to your nose

Pressing and blocking your nostrils gently can help increase the carbon dioxide levels in your bloodstream, similar to the paper bag method. This technique aids in regulating the diaphragm and can effectively stop hiccups.

Apply gentle pressure to your nostrils and try to breathe out gently a few times until the hiccups cease.

8. Distract yourself

Many hiccups are caused or exacerbated by stress or anxiety. By distracting yourself, you can redirect your focus and potentially stop the hiccups.

Engage in activities that require mental concentration or actively shift your attention away from the hiccups. This method may not work for everyone, but it is definitely worth a try.

9. Swallow a teaspoon of vinegar

Vinegar has a strong taste and can stimulate the nerves responsible for triggering hiccups. It is recommended to use apple cider vinegar due to its milder flavor. Take a teaspoon of vinegar and swallow it slowly.

This technique may not be the most pleasant, but it can effectively interrupt hiccups.

10. Get a fright

Although not a foolproof solution, startling someone who has hiccups has been known to stop them. Surprising them triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response and may help reset the diaphragm, thus ending the hiccup episode.

However, this method should only be used as a last resort and with caution, as it may not be suitable for everyone.

Conclusion

Next time you’re plagued by hiccups, it’s worth trying these doctor-approved methods for relief. Holding your breath, sipping water, using a paper bag, or engaging in other techniques can help regulate the diaphragm and stop hiccups.

Remember that everyone is different, so a method that works for one person may not work for another. If chronic hiccups persist, it is essential to seek medical advice to determine and treat any underlying causes. However, for most occasional hiccups, these remedies should do the trick and provide you with the relief you seek.