Hiccups are an irritating symptom and can be painful and disturb sleep
These techniques are recommended during a bout of hiccups:
- Breath holding
- The Valsalva manoeuvre:
- Inhale deeply and then hold your breath
- Imagine that the chest and stomach muscles are very tight and bear down as though straining to initiate a bowel movement
- Hold this position for a short time, usually about 10 seconds
- Breathing into a paper bag
- Sipping iced water
- Compressing the diaphragm by pulling the knees up to the chest
- Swallowing water while closing the nose
Other non drug measures:
- Pharyngeal stimulation / palatal massage- Rub the back of your palate with your index finger - as far back as possible without causing gagging. This is often effective at least temporarily
When to seek medical help
If your hiccups persist for more than 48 hours you can ask your doctor as there are specific medicines that may help.