Home Remedies and Herbs for Hiccup

Hiccups are a common occurrence that most people have experienced. Hiccups happen when the diaphragm spasms. Your diaphragm is the muscle that separates your abdomen and chest and helps you breathe. These contractions cause your vocal chords to suddenly close, creating the signature ‘hic’ sound associated with the hiccups.¹

Hiccups are typically nothing to worry about and usually only last a few minutes or hours. In some cases, however, hiccups may persist for weeks or months, which is a condition referred to as chronic hiccups. If hiccups persist, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.² Generally, they are simply an annoyance that does not require medical attention and may be treated with at-home remedies.

What Causes Hiccups?

Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm.¹ These spasms may be brought on by a full stomach, which may occur after eating or drinking too much.³ Hiccups may also occur due to smoking, emotional stress, excitement, or swallowing too much air. These hiccups causes usually only lead to short-term hiccups that go away on their own.²

In some cases, hiccups can last longer than two days. This is usually a sign of an underlying medical condition. These hiccup causes may include:^2,3,4

• Central nervous system disorders
• Pleurisy of the diaphragm
• Nerve damage or irritation
• Anesthesia
• Surgery
• Pneumonia
• Alcoholism
• Metabolic disorders
• Esophagus or stomach disorders
• Pregnancy
• Certain drugs

Hiccups Symptoms

Hiccups themselves are a symptom, though they’re usually nothing to worry about if they last less than two days. Hiccups may be accompanied by involuntary noises produced by your vocal chords or a tightening sensation in your chest or throat.⁴

In serious cases of those lasting longer than a month, known as intractable hiccups, hiccups symptoms can include lack of sleep, exhaustion, and weight loss.³ Consult your doctor if hiccups last for over 48 hours or they get in the way of sleeping, eating, or breathing.

Hiccups treatment depends on the underlying cause of your hiccups. If another medical condition is to blame, your doctor can provide recommendations. In typical cases, hiccups go away on their own or can be treated through a variety of home remedies. These hiccups home remedies usually involve methods to increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood to stop the muscle spasms. This can be done by holding your breath, drinking a glass of cold water, or eating a teaspoon of sugar.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/home/ovc-20320112
2. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/nord564
3. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tm6590spec
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/symptoms-causes/dxc-20320115
5. https://blog.curesdecoded.com/how-to-get-rid-of-hiccups/