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Quick & Easy Cures for Hiccups

Hiccups are often uncomfortable and can be embarrassing in social and professional situations. The abrupt, involuntary noise can create unwanted attention, and the repetitive nature of hiccups can be distracting. Fortunately, hiccup outbreaks typically dissipate within a few minutes. Hiccups can occur after laughing bouts, drinking alcohol, or eating a large meal.

  1. Drinking Water and Air

    • One of the most popular hiccup remedies is to drink water while lying upside down. This is based on the theory that simultaneously ingesting water and air will remedy the problem. There are several variations of this method. Slurping water from a glass theorizes that while swallowing water you will also drink in air, which will compensate for the unsettling in your stomach. The effectiveness of these remedies is scientifically untested.

    Breathing Solutions

    • Many hiccup cures involve altering your breathing. This theory attributes the source of hiccups to the respiratory system as opposed to the stomach. Popular methods include holding your breath for an extended period of time, taking deep slow breaths or breathing into a paper bag. Controlling your breathing alters your carbon dioxide intake, which is thought to soothe the involuntary hiccup response.

    Being Startled

    • A popular method of getting rid of hiccups is to have a friend startle you, usually by jumping out from behind a corner unexpectedly, making a loud noise, or grabbing you. One function of the startling method is that it creates a distraction. Distraction may interrupt the reflexive response in the brain associated with hiccuping. Some people think that by concentrating on trying not to hiccup you can prolong the outbreak. Often people take a sharp breath of air when startled, which many people associate with the success of the method. It's challenging to plan out using a method like this -- so it's best if someone just takes you by surprise.

    Eating

    • Foods that are known for producing physical responses when ingested such as spicy peppers are often used in hiccup remedies. Eating sour foods such as lemons and sucking on sour candy might provoke a physical reaction that ends hiccups. Similarly, eating a spoonful of vinegar or pickle juice may disrupt the hiccup response. Carbonated drinks release carbon dioxide while being swallowed, which is thought to soothe the stomach. Letting candy dissolve slowly in your mouth forces you to alter your breathing slightly, which may cure hiccups.

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