Home remedies for hiccups

Hiccups are repeated involuntary spasms of the breathing muscle followed by a quick closure in the throat. Eating quickly, a large meal, fizzy drinks, alcohol, sudden temperature changes or strong emotions can trigger a short episode.

Hiccups can occasionally accompany irritation of the stomach or food pipe. Acid reflux and gastritis are possible contributors, particularly when hiccups occur with burning, nausea, upper-abdominal discomfort or a sour taste.

Sit upright, stop eating for a moment and breathe slowly through the nose. Take small sips of cool water, swallow carefully and relax the shoulders. When eating again, choose small bites and avoid gulping, fizzy drinks and alcohol until the episode settles.

Avoid frightening yourself, swallowing unsafe objects or using forceful breath-holding. Do not take someone else's medicine. If reflux symptoms accompany the hiccups, a clinician can advise whether acid reflux medication is suitable.

Seek medical advice when hiccups continue, repeatedly disturb sleep or eating, or come with vomiting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, confusion or chest pain. Urgent assessment is appropriate for sudden neurological symptoms or severe breathing difficulty.

Ask whether reflux, gastritis, a medicine or another irritation could be contributing. Share when the hiccups began, what you had eaten or drunk, and whether they affect sleep, meals or breathing.