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Home Remedy for Hiccups

Home Remedy for Hiccups explains what a hiccup is, the possible causes, and home remedies that will help you stop that annoying contraction.

What is a Hiccup?
Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm (the sheet of muscle that separates the chest form the abdominal cavity and is important in the role of breathing). It is generally caused when the diaphragm muscle is irritated and muscle goes into sudden spasms. As the diaphragm moves downward, you may inhale quickly, and the vocal cords snap shut across the throat causing the "hic" sound.


What Causes Hiccups



What causes Hiccups?

It is unknown the exact cause of hiccups but there are several ways in which an onset of hiccups can occur. For the most part, hiccups are short-lived and occur for only a few hours. If you experience hiccups that last more than 48 hours, see chronic hiccups.

  • If you eat too fast, you can swallow air along with your food which may cause hiccups.
  • Things that cause your stomach to expand upward to press against your diaphragm, like gulping air, carbonated drinks, and indigestion.
  • Other possible caues: Overstretching the neck, Laryngitis, Heartburn, Irritation of the eardrum, Bloating, Drinking excessive alcohol, Hot and spicy food, Smoking.

Home Remedy for Hiccups
While we've heard lots of anecdotes on how to cure hiccups, here are just a few remedies for you. But if you are looking for a way to cure infant hiccups and baby hiccups, click here.

  • Take a deep breath and count to 30. Mary Jo Welker, MD says, "Holding your breath increases carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which, apparently, decreases sensitivity of the vagus nerve center in the brain.
  • Plug your ears and drink water. Plug both ears with your fingers, then drink a glass of water through a straw.
  • Spoonful of sugar under your tongue. Let the sugar sit there and dissolve slowly. Marla Tobin, MD, says, "Some doctors speculate that the granules simulate the vagus nerve, a long nerve in the back of the throat that sends branches to many muscle groups, including those in the diaphragm."
  • Chew some papaya. Because hiccups can sometimes be a sign of digestive problems, chewing papaya digestive tablets can help. Also try eating fresh papaya or pineapple - both these fruits contain every digestive enzyme that the stomach needs.

References (for home remedy for hiccups):
"The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women" by the Editors of Prevention Magazine
howstuffworks.com

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