Hiccups happen when a sudden spasm causes the diaphragm to contract. This spasm triggers a quick intake of air, which is abruptly cut off when the vocal cords close, producing the characteristic "hiccup" sound. Hiccups can be annoying and can interfere with talking and eating.

Most hiccups resolve on their own within minutes to hours and typically do not need any treatment. However, hiccups that persist for longer than 48 hours are referred to as persistent hiccups, while those lasting over a month are termed intractable hiccups. Both types may indicate a more serious underlying health issue, and further testing may be required to determine the cause.

What can be done to stop hiccups?

1. Breathing and posture techniques to relax your diaphragm

• Practice controlled breathing. Calm your respiratory system with slow, deliberate breaths. Inhale for a count of five, then exhale for a count of five.
• Hold your breath. Take a deep breath in, filling your lungs, and hold it for 10 to 20 seconds before exhaling slowly. Repeat as needed.
• Breathe into a paper bag. Cover your mouth and nose with a paper bag, and gently breathe in and out, allowing the bag to expand and contract. Avoid using a plastic bag.
• Hug your knees. Find a comfortable seated position, pull your knees to your chest, and lean forward. This position compresses the chest and applies pressure to the diaphragm.
• Use the Valsalva maneuver. To perform this technique, pinch your nose and try to exhale while keeping your mouth closed.

2. Applying pressure to body areas sensitive to touch to help relax your diaphragm or activate your vagus or phrenic nerves.

• Pull on your tongue. Gently pulling on your tongue activates the nerves and muscles in your throat. Hold the tip of your tongue and gently tug it forward once or twice.
• Squeeze your nose.
• Massage your carotid artery gently. The carotid artery is located on both sides of your neck, and it is the one you feel when checking your pulse. Lie down and turn your head to the left, then massage the artery on the right side in a circular motion for 5 to 10 seconds.

3. Eating certain foods or modifying how you drink to help activate your vagus or phrenic nerves

• Eat some sugar. Place a pinch of granulated sugar on your tongue and let it dissolve for 5 to 10 seconds before swallowing.
• Suck on a lemon. Some people like to add a bit of salt to a lemon slice. Rinse your mouth with water afterward to protect your teeth from the citric acid.
• Place a drop of vinegar on your tongue.
• Drink ice water. Sipping cold water slowly may help stimulate the vagus nerve.
• Suck on an ice cube. Hold an ice cube in your mouth for a few minutes, then swallow it once it has melted to a manageable size.
• Drink water from the opposite side of the glass. This forces your abdomen muscles to contract.