All About Hiccups

Larry A. Law

When someone in my family gets the hiccups, I like to sneek an opportunity to scare them because Angie thinks that's the best way to stop the hiccup attack! And, it brings a lot of laughs! It doesn't always work, but it is a good excuse for me to have some fun! There are a lot of suggestions on how to get rid of hiccups that I've heard over the years. And I'm sure each of us has a favorite way for getting rid of them—and we feel so sure that it works that we advocate our solution to others with great passion. So, I was intrigued when I stumbled upon some information that explains what hiccups are and a scientifically approved way to get rid of them. I'm all about the science, so I'll share with you what I learned below. 

What Are Hiccups?

Hiccups can feel like they come from your lungs, stomach, or even your throat. But they are actually spasms which take place in your diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle between your lungs and stomach. It is designed to pull downward when you breathe so your lungs can expand with more air. However, when this muscle spasms, your vocal cords close and re-open quickly, creating the classic "hic" sound.

The Scientifically Approved Method to Rid Yourself of Hiccups

Drinking water from the backside of a cup, or with a pencil clenched between your teeth, or getting scared by someone can work occasionally (and give your brain something else to think about!), but these techniques are not scientifically repeatable treatments. Decades of research has found one solution. You can disrupt the spasms by expanding your lungs. This means to inhale and hold your breath as long as possible, and then, at the last possible moment, inhale a little more through the nose. This makes your lungs as full as they can be, squashing out excess air or muscle twitching in your diaphragm. It leaves no room in your body to hiccup. 

Researchers also say that you can cut hiccups off before they start. Try to be mindful of not eating too fast or too much. Try not to gulp air when you drink (especially carbonated beverages). Regardless, hiccups will normally go away on their own without any intervention. But for those of us who cannot tolerate the annoying occurrences, this approach seems to be the best cure for alleviating these embarrassing inconveniences.