11 ways to stop hiccups

It is impossible to find a person who has never had hiccups in his life. It is a very disturbing experience. Medical scientists still do not know what exactly causes hiccups. However, it is generally believed that hiccups are caused by eating too much spices, eating quickly, talking or focusing on other things while eating and drinking too much alcohol.  Apart from that, hiccups can occur due to loud laughter, sudden fear, emotion, excitement, etc. It can also be caused by some diseases. Most of the hiccups can be stopped by following some home remedies that are mentioned below.

Eating sugar: If you have hiccups, you should take a spoon of sugar on your tongue and try to swallow it after some time. Holding your breath:  You should shut your nose and mouth with your hands for some time and try to continue breathing normally. It will help you to stop a sudden hiccup.

Eating lemon: Hiccups can be stopped after eating something sour. For example- biting into a lemon or tasting a little vinegar.

Paper bag breathing: Cover your mouth and nose with a paper bag and breathe into the paper bag for some time.  The extra dose of carbon dioxide should help you get rid of hiccups.

Drinking ice cold water: Drinking cold water or gargling with cold water can have amazing benefits for stopping hiccups.  You also should limit carbonated beverages. 

Peanut Butter:  A big spoonful of peanut butter is a classic cure, if you are pondering how to get rid of hiccups. Eat one spoon of peanut butter, the hiccups will go.

Sticking out the tongue: One should stick out his or her tongue during hiccups. This will help get rid of hiccups.

Eating honey: Mix one spoon of honey in warm water and keep it under the tongue and swallow it. Hiccups will go.

Keeping the ears shut: Keep the fingers in both ears and keep the ears shut for 20-30 seconds. The hiccups will go.
Pressing the palm of a hand:  Try to press the palm of your hand with the thumb of your other hand.  If the hiccups do not go in this way, slowly put pressure on both sides of the shoulder.

Drinking water: Drink a glass of water in 9 or 10 sips. 

One should eat smaller meals or eating more slowly may also help. If those tips do not work and hiccups continue for a long time and you have hiccups for at least 48 hours, you should see a doctor. Rarely, hiccups can be a symptom of other conditions and diseases. Hiccups are accompanied by heartburn, for example, they may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux.  Some other rare causes are tumors in the neck and chest, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, strokes, brain tumors, intracranial injuries and cardiac issues. For those reasons, one should consult a medical professional.

Source: Reader’s Digest