What Causes Hiccups, and How Can They Be Stopped Naturally?

Question

I’ve been experiencing frequent hiccups, and I can’t figure out what’s causing them. At first, I thought they were just random, but now I’m wondering—what causes hiccups, and how can they be stopped naturally?

From what I understand, hiccups occur due to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, but what triggers these contractions? Are there common causes like eating too fast, drinking carbonated beverages, or stress? Can medical conditions also cause persistent hiccups?

I also read that while hiccups usually go away on their own, they can sometimes last for hours or even days. When should someone be concerned about long-lasting hiccups, and what medical treatments are available for chronic cases?

Since I prefer natural remedies, I looked into Ayurveda’s approach to stopping hiccups. Are there Ayurvedic remedies, herbs, or breathing exercises that can help relieve them quickly? I found that cardamom, black pepper, and slow sipping of warm water are commonly recommended—do these actually work in stopping hiccups?

For those who experience frequent hiccups, what methods have worked best for stopping them? Have home remedies, deep breathing, or medical treatments been the most effective? I’d love to hear real experiences on getting rid of hiccups naturally.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Hiccups occur due to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords, causing the "hic" sound. Common triggers include eating too fast, consuming carbonated drinks, sudden temperature changes, excitement, stress, or irritation of the diaphragm. While most hiccups are harmless and go away on their own, persistent hiccups (lasting over 48 hours) may indicate underlying conditions like acid reflux, nerve irritation, or even neurological disorders.

Most hiccups resolve without treatment, but chronic or prolonged hiccups may require medical attention. If hiccups last for hours or days, a doctor might check for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), infections, or metabolic disorders. Medical treatments include chlorpromazine, baclofen, or nerve stimulation therapies, though these are usually reserved for severe cases.

Ayurveda suggests cardamom tea, black pepper, warm water sips, or holding the breath to calm the diaphragm. Slow deep breathing, gently pulling on the tongue, or sipping cold water may also help. Many find pressing on acupressure points (like the diaphragm area) or gargling with cold water effective in stopping hiccups naturally.

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