It is generally believed that getting rid of hiccups is possible with the help of only two methods – breath holding or fright. First, such “assistants” often do not work, and secondly, there are many other ways to get rid of hiccups that are more effective. Learn about the causes of hiccups and how to fix them in this article.
Causes of hiccups: what provokes powerful contractions of the diaphragm
Due to the powerful contractions of the diaphragm, the air abruptly escapes through the vocal cords, which provokes the appearance of characteristic sounds. Such a phenomenon – a consequence of a sudden increase in the activity of the vagus nerve. The cause of hiccups can be anything, among the main provoking factors:
- hypothermia;
- drinking soda;
- fright, stress, excitement;
- too rapid stomach filling;
- severe distension of the stomach (overeating);
- uncomfortable posture.
Often 20 minutes is enough for the hiccups to go away, but still, it's easier to get rid of the hiccups right away than to endure such discomfort. If hiccups cannot be eliminated and after this time you continue to hiccup, it is better to consult a doctor, because the cause of hiccups that lasts a long time can be a serious illness.
How to get rid of hiccups at home
If there is someone nearby, ask someone to give you water to drink, it will be enough to drink half a glass of water. You must drink in small sips, while leaning forward and stretching your neck, your hands at this moment should be behind your back.
Use the usual – let them scare you – suddenly work?
If you are in splendid isolation – don't despair – there are ways to get rid of hiccups without the help of others:
- leaning slightly, put one hand behind your back, and in the other take a glass of water. Stretch your neck and drink slowly;
- fill the basin with water and lower your face into it, hold your breath for a few seconds;
- raise your arms above your head, stretch, take a few deep breaths and exhale;
- gently press on the root of the tongue;
- eat something sour, salty or sweet, lie on your side;
- find the bags, close your nose and mouth and breathe until you feel short of breath (carbon dioxide relaxes the diaphragm);
- read your favorite poem with expression – it will help to switch attention, sometimes it helps to get rid of hiccups.
How to get rid of hiccups in a public place
It happens that hiccups appear at the most inopportune moment – during a performance in the theatre, at a party or in a restaurant. At such moments, hiccups are not only unpleasant, but also indecent, and the methods described above cannot be used here. Fortunately, you can get rid of hiccups without attracting the attention of others:
- if you are sitting, lean forward – this will help put some pressure on the stomach area;
- sip plain water in small sips through a straw or suck on a lollipop;
- gently press your fingers on the eyeballs or on the supraclavicular region simultaneously from both sides;
- inhale and exhale deeply several times, and then hold your breath for 10-15 seconds;
- try to focus your attention on something – count the number of lamps in the theater chandelier or determine the number of buttons on the neighbor's jacket.
We hope that our advice will help you quickly get rid of hiccups and finally breathe a sigh of relief.
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