You must have experienced hiccups . Whether you're eating, drinking, or just suddenly for no apparent reason, hiccups occur uninvited. Although it can go away on its own without taking medication, it is certainly uncomfortable to experience hiccups. So, how do you get rid of the most effective hiccups ? Follow the tips below!
How to get rid of hiccups naturally and quickly
Hiccups occur when there is spasm in the diaphragm , the muscle that separates the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. Spasms in the diaphragm cause air to enter the lungs suddenly, so the valve in the esophagus closes quickly. This has caused the sound hic while you're hiccup.
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There are many causes for hiccups , from eating too much, sudden temperature changes, emotional conditions, to certain diseases. Of course, hiccups can cause you discomfort and fatigue.
Fortunately, there are a few simple ways you can do it yourself at home to get rid of hiccups, such as:
1. Hold your breath
Holding your breath has become one of the most popular ways to get rid of hiccups. The method is easy, you can inhale as deep as possible and hold it for 10-20 seconds, then exhale slowly.
Apart from that, you can also do certain breathing techniques. Try to inhale for 5 seconds and exhale for 5 seconds as well. Repeat both methods until the hiccups disappear.
2. Pressing the diaphragm
You can also try to get rid of hiccups by pressing on the diaphragm. Your diaphragm is located between your stomach and chest. This method is believed to help the diaphragm relax. However, avoid pressing too hard as it can have fatal consequences.
3. Close the nose
Covering the nose is also a common way to get rid of hiccups. The trick, cover your nose while drinking water until the hiccups subside.
4. Breathe with a paper bag
Get an empty paper bag that's sturdy enough. Place the neck of the paper bag over your mouth and nose, not your entire face. Make sure that your mouth and nose are covered by the paper bag. Then, breathe in the bag.
Without realizing it, you will eventually breathe in carbon dioxide. The diaphragm muscles that were contracted will relax again. You shouldn't use plastic bags as they will stick to your mouth and nose when you inhale.
5. Sit hugging your knees
Another way you can try to get rid of hiccups is to sit hugging your knees. First, sit with your legs bent. Hug your knees while leaning forward as if crouching.
Hold this position for about 2 minutes. This position will put pressure on the diaphragm area so that trapped air can escape.
6. Drink water or eat certain foods
Some of the methods below are also considered effective at stopping hiccups, such as:
• Gargle cold water
• Drinkink water with a bent body position
• Swallow a spoonful of granulated sugar
• Put a little vinegar in your mouth
• Drink a glass of cold water slowly
• Drink a glass of warm water without stopping until it runs out
• Place a lemon wedge on your tongue and suck it like candy
How to get rid of hiccups with drugs
• take medicine with cold water
Generally, hiccups last only a short time, or they can be resolved in a few minutes. But in fact, hiccups can last 48 hours or more. Hiccups that last a long time can cause fatigue, sleep deprivation, and weight loss.
If a few simple methods can't treat your hiccups, it's best to see a doctor so he can help as well as check if these hiccups are a sign of another medical condition. Usually there are several prescription drugs that can be used to stop hiccups, such as:
1. Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hiccups. This drug belongs to the class of antipsychotics, which are more commonly prescribed for people with mental problems.
According to an article in the British Journal of General Practice , administering 25-50 mg of chlorpromazine by injection is effective in treating 80% of persistent hiccups.
2. Anticonvulsant drugs
Another way doctors get rid of hiccups is to prescribe anti-seizure drugs or anticonvulsants. Some types of anticonvulsant drugs that doctors often prescribe are gabapentin and valproic acid.
3. Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide is a gastroprokinetic drug that is commonly given to treat digestive problems. Metoclopramide is also a drug that is prescribed as a way to get rid of persistent hiccups in people with cancer or tumors.
4. Baclofen
Another drug that can reduce hiccups is baclofen. Doctors will usually prescribe one drug for several weeks. During this time your doctor can gradually increase your dose to get rid of your hiccups. The dose will be slowly lowered until you can stop using the drug.
However, if you experience hiccups again after the dose is lowered or your medication stops, your doctor will recommend that you increase your dose again or repeat the treatment.
All medications used to get rid of hiccups can have side effects. So make sure you ask your doctor about the side effects that can arise and you feel, before starting treatment.