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Treatment of Hiccup

Everyday hiccups don’t need medical treatment, as they will go away on their own. Some people find that home remedies give them relief, such as:

• Sipping cold water;
• Drinking water out of the ‘wrong’ (opposite) side of the glass;
• Breathing into a paper bag (NEVER place a bag over your head);
• Holding your breath for a short period;
• Pulling your knees up to your chest.

Treatment is needed only for persistent hiccups. The underlying cause should be identified and treated, in order to stop the hiccups coming back.

Certain drugs may help the hiccups themselves. Tranquillisers such as chlorpromazine and metoclopramide work by relaxing the diaphragm muscle and the surrounding nerves. Drugs called anti-convulsants, such as phenytoin and valproic acid, are used to stop the involuntary action of the diaphragm.

Alternative treatments for hiccups include hypnosis and acupuncture. Some people respond to mental distraction, which is when someone tries to distract them, for example by making them think about a particular idea or problem, or by giving them a surprise

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