The cause and function of hiccups are not yet known, but it is known that it can be caused by alcohol. There is no official cure for occasional hiccups, but over time it has been discovered that there are remedies to put an end to it quickly and easily when alcohol has caused it. In most cases at least one of these techniques will work and get rid of the hiccups. In the future, you can try to prevent their return by avoiding overeating or drinking, especially alcoholic or carbonated beverages. Sudden temperature changes, emotional stress, or a state of arousal can also cause this, so be careful. To stop the hiccups caused by alcohol, you will need to stop drinking. Remember that alcohol abuse can be fatal, so try not to overdo it in the future to avoid negative effects, including hiccups.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Break the Hiccup Cycle
Step 1. Hold your breath
When you hold your breath, the diaphragm stops moving normally. Since hiccups seem to be related to an uncontrolled movement of the diaphragm, blocking it may be able to stop it.
Hold your breath for a few seconds, then take several deep breaths, one after the other. Repeat the process several times to see if you can stop the hiccups
Step 2. Change location
Sit down and bring your knees towards your chest or lean your torso forward to compress the diaphragm. Hiccups are correlated with diaphragmatic spasms, so by squeezing the muscle you may be able to stop it.
Remember that alcohol impairs your sense of balance and coordination, so sit down and stand up slowly
Step 3. Drink a glass of water very quickly
When you drink quickly and in one gulp, your abdominal muscles are strained and you may be able to stop the hiccups in this way.
- You can use a straw or two to help you drink the water faster.
- Drink only water and no alcohol, otherwise the hiccups could get even worse.
Step 4. Try to cough
When you try to cough, you get your abs in motion and the strain may be able to stop the hiccups. Make an effort to do a few coughs even if you don't feel the need.
Step 5. Apply pressure to the nose bridge
Put your finger on the bridge of your nose and press as hard as you can. It's unclear why this technique works, but it appears that applying pressure to that nerve or blood vessel can help stop hiccups.
Step 6. Sneeze
Sneezing stresses the abdominal muscles and hopefully can interrupt the hiccup cycle and make it stop. Try sniffing pepper, breathing in a dusty area, or suddenly exposing yourself to the sun to force you to sneeze.
Step 7. Gargle with water
Gargling requires concentration, plus it prompts you to hold your breath and use your abdominal muscles. The sum of these actions can help you stop hiccups.
Step 8. Take a sip of vinegar
Strong tasting liquids, such as vinegar or brine, can "shock" the body and cause hiccups, but since you already have it, the "shock" can cause the reverse reaction and stop it.
If this method doesn't work the first time, it's probably best not to try again, as vinegar can irritate the esophagus and stomach if ingested in large quantities. If this method didn't work, try another one
Step 9. Freeze the hiccups
Take a small ice pack and place it on the skin at the pit of the stomach, which is next to the diaphragm. Cold can impair circulation and muscle activity in that area, which could stop hiccups.
If the hiccups don't go away within 20 minutes, remove the ice pack from your abdomen and try another method. Do not keep it in contact with your skin for more than 20 minutes as it could hurt you
Step 10. Stimulate the vagus nerve
The vagus nerve is related to various bodily functions and by stimulating it you may be able to stop hiccups. Try one of these tricks:
- Put a spoonful of sugar in your mouth and let it dissolve very slowly on your tongue;
- Eat a spoonful of honey;
- Tickle your palate with a cotton swab;
- Plug your ears with your fingers;
- Slowly sip some water (or a soft, non-carbonated drink), letting it touch your palate;
Step 11. Contact your doctor if hiccups have lasted for more than 48 hours
In many cases, hiccups can be treated with home remedies, but if it has been going on for more than two consecutive days and you have tried to get it through without success, it is time to see a doctor.
Method 2 of 2: Distract yourself to Stop Hiccups
Step 1. Try counting or performing another mechanical action
If the brain is busy doing a moderately difficult action, it may stop causing the hiccups. If you are drunk, you may find it difficult to concentrate, but in this specific case it could be an advantage. Undergo one of these tests:
- Count down from 100;
- Say or sing the alphabet backwards
- Solve multiplications (4 x 2 = 8, 4 x 5 = 20, 4 x 6 = 24, etc.);
- Say each letter of the alphabet and a word that begins with that letter.
Step 2. Focus attention on the breath
We normally breathe automatically. If you try to focus on your breathing, the hiccups may go away.
- Try holding your breath and counting slowly to 10.
- Try to inhale through your nose, as slowly and deeply as possible, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat several times.
Step 3. Increase the amount of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream
If the carbon dioxide rate in the blood is abnormal, the brain focuses on the problem, so the hiccups may stop. Raising the level of carbon dioxide in the blood is simple, just breathe abnormally:
- Hold your breath as long as you can;
- Take very slow, deep breaths;
- Inflate a balloon
- Breathe into a paper bag.
Step 4. Drink some water in an uncomfortable position
You can try drinking with your torso leaning forward or on the far side of the glass. As this is an unusual action, you will need to focus on not spilling the water. By distracting your mind, you may be able to stop hiccups.
Drink nothing but water to prevent hiccups from getting worse
Step 5. Get spooked by someone
Feeling fear is a good way to take your mind off something, including hiccups. If something scares you, your mind will focus on that rather than the hiccup. For this method to work you need the collaboration of a friend who, for example, pops out in the dark or around a corner when you least expect it.
Advice
- If all of these methods fail, just try to be patient. In most cases, the hiccups disappear on their own within a few minutes. If it has been going on for more than 48 hours, contact your doctor for help.
- You can prevent hiccups by avoiding heavy eating or drinking. When you ingest a food or liquid too quickly, air tends to get trapped when swallowing and according to numerous experts this can cause hiccups.
- Alcohol can irritate the esophagus and stomach, so you can prevent hiccups by simply avoiding getting drunk.
