Hiccups

Hiccups are sporadic spasm of the diaphragm accompanied by a reflex inhalation finished by the sudden closing of the glottis. It usually lasts for a few minutes, and in rare cases, for day or even weeks. It may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition in the body.

Symptoms
There is a contraction of the diaphragm followed by a “hic” sound produced by the throat.

Causes
Causes include excessive alcohol consumption, taking anesthesia, bloating, eardrum irritation, diabetes, eating spicy foods, heartburn, laryngitis, smoking, and undergoing surgery.

Home Remedies
Water: Gargle with water while holding your breath.

Ice bag: Securely place an ice bag over the diaphragm for a few moments until the hiccupping subsided.

Soda: Drink plenty of soda or water as quickly as you can.

Sugar: Consume some adequate to liberal amount of refined sugar when having hiccups.

Peanut butter: Take at least 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to get rid of continuous hiccups.

Diets
There is no particular recommended diet but it is advisable for a mean time to avoid hot and spicy food as the lining of the esophagus can be irritated.

Other suggestions
Close your eyes and gently press your eyeballs until all symptoms subsided.

Avoid excessive consumption of food over a short period of time.

Visit a doctor if the hiccuping lasted for more than 24 hours.