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Hiccups

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Hiccups, also called hiccoughs, are repeated spasms of the diaphragm, the large, flat muscle that divides your chest from your stomach. In most cases, hiccups are mild and last less than an hour, although they can persist for hours or days or return repeatedly.

Causes

Hiccups occur when overeating, eating too rapidly, drinking carbonated beverages, or illness irritates the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm.

Signs/Symptoms

Hiccup spasms close the muscles in the back of the throat when you exhale, resulting in the typical hiccup sound.

Care

Try one of the home remedies listed below. If the problem won't subside, medication may be necessary.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • There are many home remedies for hiccups. Some that might help include:
    • Swallow dry bread crumbs, crushed ice, or 1 teaspoon of dry sugar.
    • Hold your breath and count silently to 10 (or higher, if possible).
    • Drink a glass of water very quickly, sip ice water, or gargle with water.
    • Pull gently on your tongue or push down the back of your tongue with your finger or a spoon handle.
    • Press the end of a finger into each ear for 20 seconds.
    • Close your eyes and push lightly and gently on your eyeballs.

Call Your Doctor If...

  • Hiccups last longer than 3 hours in children or 8 hours in adults.


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