For most of us, hiccups are merely a random disturbance, but unfortunately for several others hiccups can be so persistent that they can lead to fatigue, dehydration and even insomnia. In either case, it is important to know what causes this seemingly annoying problem.
Hiccups occur when there is an irritation of the nerves in the esophagus, stomach, and the diaphragm. This aggravation causes the diaphragm (a muscle below your ribs that separates the chest and abdominal cavity) to contract in spasms. The sudden rush of air causes the esophagus to close, which eventually causes hiccups. Sometimes eating too fast or swallowing too much air can also be the cause.
Here’s how you can get rid of the hiccups...
- Take a teaspoon each of ginger juice, honey, lime juice and a pinch of pepper. Mix them together and lick a tiny bit from a spoon, off and on.
- Hold your breath as long as possible, and let it go out. Repeat a few times.
- Slowly suck on a wedge of fresh lime.
- Put one teaspoon of sugar at the rear of your tongue and suck on it. Repeat in two minutes for a total of three times. Alternately, you can try a tablespoon of peanut butter.
- It is believed that your can ‘scare’ away hiccups. So you can sneak up on someone who has the hiccups and try giving them a good jolt.
- Eat some pickles or take a shot of lemon juice.
- Take a large mouthful of water with out swallowing, plug both ears, and slowly begin to swallow the water. Unplug your ears and your hiccup will be gone!
