Hiccups Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Numerous home remedies for hiccups exist. The reason that these remedies are thought to work is that carbon dioxide build-up in the blood will stop hiccups, which is what happens when you hold your breath. If the vagus nerve that runs from the brain to the stomach is stimulated, hiccups can also be alleviated (this is what is happening when you drink water or pull on your tongue).

Try these methods at home:

• Hold your breath.

• Drink a glass of water quickly.

• Become frightened.

• Use smelling salts.

• Pull hard on your tongue.

• Place one-half teaspoon of dry sugar on the back of your tongue. (You can repeat this process 3 times at 2-minute intervals. Use corn syrup, not sugar, in young children.)