How to Rid Yourself of the Dreaded Hiccups

Everyone has suffered from the hiccups at one time or another. Hiccups occur when you swallow too much air. One way to prevent hiccups is to slow down while eating or drinking. Any activity or emotional excitement can cause the hiccups. Hiccups are a spasmodic, involuntary cutting-off of an indrawn breath. In addition to eating or drinking too quickly, large meals, alcoholic beverages and sudden exertions may cause hiccups.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Glass or Cup
• Spoon
• Lemon Wedge
• Hard Candy
• Bread
• Crushed Ice
• Ice Bag
• Sugar

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Instructions

• 1

  Hold your breath.

  Hold your breath for as long as possible. Repeat if necessary by taking a quick gulp of air and holding your breath again. Just don't repeat too often or you might pass out.

• 2

  Sip and swallow Water

  Constantly swallow or take small sips from a glass of water until the hiccups pass. When you feel the hiccup urge or sensation building, then swallow. Repeat sipping and swallowing continually till hiccups pass.

• 3

  Sucking on citrus fruit may alleviate hiccups.

  Suck on a lemon wedge soaked in bitters. Or suck on a piece of hard candy. Swallow often while sucking on the lemon wedge or hard candy.

• 4

  While lying on your back, pull your knees up to your chest and lean forward, holding this position for as long as possible.

• 5

  Chew and swallow a slice of bread, or suck on crushed ice.

• 6

  Gargle with ice water or swallow a spoonful of dry sugar, which are home remedies recommended by the Mayo Clinic.

• 7

  Place an ice bag on the midriff area just below your rib cage. Leave it on the belly area till hiccups pass.

• 8

  Slowly drink water upside down. Bend forward at the waist and drink the water while in this upside-down position.