Use these methods, NEVER get prolonged HICCUPS again!

Everyone has had hiccups at some point. They affect all ages from babies to adults and they are caused by spasms of the diaphragm. This may be triggered by anything that impairs proper coordination of the diaphragmatic muscle. Eating fast can trigger hiccups as well as ingesting a lot of air, esp for babies when they are suckling. Therefore, if you have hiccups you want them gone fast as they are unpleasant (imagine giving a speech while having hiccups). The following remedies help to stop hiccups fast.

1. Stop hiccups using food

Certain foods are used to stop hiccups because they irritate the nerves that supply the diaphragm, and reset its normal movement. The following methods work to stop hiccups in its tracks:

• Eat sour food, for example,  spoonful of vinegar


• Eat honey


• Peanut butter also works


• Eat spicy sauce. Drink some milk if you mess with chili high up the Scoville scale

2. Use a brown bag

Commonly used to calm down the nerves in situations that trigger anxiety. Breathe into the brown bag covering your mouth only (not face). Take deep breaths and changes in the blood carbon dioxide concentrations cause the diaphragm to contract more and stretch, hence breaking the spasms.

3. Drink a glass of cold water

If you find yourself having hiccups, the fastest and easiest way to get rid of them is to drink an ice-cold glass of water. The cold from the water iriitates the diaphragm and causes it to move normally, hence taking care of the hiccups. Keep on drinking the water until the hiccups go away. Read about how water can be purified by simple devices here.

4. See your Doctor

If hiccups persist they may indicate an underlying medical condition that needs to be diagnosed. Kidney disease and reflux esophagitis are some of the conditions that may trigger hiccups. The Doctor may prescribe drugs like metoclopramide or chlorpromazine and treat the underlying condition.

Now next time you or your friend has the problem, you know how you can stop hiccups fast. Learn how you can stop nosebleeding or epistaxis fast. Don't wait till it's an emergency!