How to minimize hiccups.

What is a Hiccup? Well a hiccup in definition is when the diaphragm, a muscle that helps us breathe which also divides the chest and abdomen, suddenly contracts, and the epiglottis, a flap above the vocal chords closes. Air is sucked in as the diaphragm contracts now causing the characteristic “hic” sound that abruptly stops. In many cases no one knows how to stop a hiccup well here are some points this article gives to help you stop them.
1) Hold your breath as long as possible. This is the thought of the lack of oxygen from holding one’s breath; the brain shuts off the hiccup response to attend to the more important stimulus.
2) Hold a paper bag tightly over the mouth and nose, and breathe in and out rapidly for several times. Be sure to use paper, not plastic bag. This increases the levels of carbon dioxide in the body, making it more concerned with getting rid of the excess CO2 than causing hiccups.
3) Drink water as this will interrupt the hic cycle. The epiglottis will be “forced” to shut close to give way for water to pass through the esophagus instead of going to the wind pipe. Gargling may also have the same effect.
4) Apply cold into one side of the Adam’s apple. The cold is said to block the nerve signals that causes the hiccups. But be careful not to place it near the carotid artery as this may affect blood pressure.
5) Sir down and lean forward. Pull up the knees to compress the chest for a few minutes.
6) Have someone scare you--for real.
7) Drink water from the far rim of the glass.
8) Many say that a teaspoonful of sugar could help get rid of the hiccups. This is said to make the vagus nerve more concerned with the sweet sensation rather than making the hiccups impulses. In a 1971 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, sugar may also be placed under the tongue.
9) Eat slowly. In some way, eating too fast can irritate the vagus nerve causing hiccups. Do the same for alcohol. Drink in moderation as alcohol may also irritate the stomach and subsequently, the vagus nerve nearby.
10) Avoid spicy meals. Spicy foods too may irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. They can also cause acid from the stomach to leak into the food pipe which can bring on hiccups.
I think this article benefits the world because now it will help others know how to stop there hiccups and if they don’t know they know to go to their Drs. For me this Article is very helpful and now I know not to eat as many spicy stuff.
Reference: http://medsavailable.com/articles/how-to-manage-hiccups