Uncomfortable hiccups sometimes come out of nowhere and can be extremely annoying. We’ll tell you how burping occurs and which simple tricks and effective home remedies you can use to quickly get rid of hiccups.
This is what happens in your body when you hiccup
Babies hiccup even in the womb. However, there are different theories as to why the increased burping exists in the first place. On the one hand, it could be used to train the breathing reflex. Another theory is that this is to prevent fluid from entering the lungs.
What is certain, however, is that the diaphragm cramps during the hiccups. As a result, the glottis between the vocal cords closes reflexively. The inhaled air, which at this moment can no longer escape from the lungs, consequently hits against the closed vocal cords. According to the German Lung Foundation, this can cause the typical “hiccup” noise. Key nerves in the diaphragm (Nervus phrenicus) and in the brainstem count as triggers for the present spasm.
The most common causes: How do hiccups occur in the first place?
Hiccups can occur in a variety of situations. However, the unpleasant hiccups occur particularly frequently during or after eating – especially if the food was consumed too quickly. The belching is then caused by the increased swallowing of air. But also the immediate succession of hot and cold food or drinks can be a trigger for the spasm of the diaphragm. The situation is similar with strongly fluctuating temperature differences.
If you suffer from strong excitement or were frightened, the increased burping can also occur. Because in psychologically stressful situations, those affected usually tend to have hectic, restless breathing. Hiccups occur in a very similar way to the infrequent gulping of air when you eat too quickly. Heavy consumption of nicotine and alcohol is also a typical cause. Medications such as anesthetics or tranquilizers can also cause the unpleasant symptoms. If hiccups occur during pregnancy, the embryo is usually in a position that presses on the diaphragm.
Get rid of hiccups: These home remedies help best
A wide variety of home remedies and tips can be used as quick help against acute hiccups. Despite their differences, they all have one thing in common: the tricks are intended to distract those affected for a short time. Since hectic breathing in particular causes the diaphragm to cramp, it also helps to consciously relax it. Ultimately, the only way to find out which method is best for getting rid of stubborn hiccups is to try it out.
To get rid of hiccups, it is recommended to drink a glass of ice water or quite consciously think up answers to certain questions. These methods are intended to lead back to normal breathing through targeted distraction.
A popular home remedy for hiccups is a small portion of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice on a sugar cube. Thanks to the acid, the nerves are also briefly distracted.
If you drink fennel tea slowly, at best only by the spoonful, this can also help to get rid of annoying hiccups.
Laughter is not only fun, but also ensures a loosened and relaxed diaphragm.
If you let yourself be startled, it has a very similar effect to laughing. A jerky twitch in the event of a shock can allow the diaphragm to relax again after a brief contraction.
Holding your breath and swallowing dry several times is another good way to slowly regain control of your breathing.
Sticking out your tongue or rolling your back for a few breaths will also help calm your breathing. Both techniques ensure that breathing takes place more strongly over the abdomen and is thus more relaxed. As a result, the spasm in the diaphragm can relax.
Breathing regulation can also be achieved by holding your breath or breathing into a bag. This increases the carbon dioxide concentration (COâ‚‚) in the blood and thus provokes deep, more even breathing. But be careful: you should not overdo it with this technique. Otherwise, circulatory problems and even loss of consciousness can result.
How to effectively prevent hiccups
To prevent hiccups, you should ensure an upright, straight posture when consuming food or drinks. You should also take your time eating and try to breathe as calmly as possible. Smaller portions also help. In addition, still, unsweetened drinks are generally better tolerated. On the other hand, carbonated liquids promote the occurrence of hiccups.
Chronic hiccups: You can do this if the burping is persistent
Usually hiccups only last a few minutes. The intensity can vary greatly – around four to 60 hiccups per minute are completely harmless. If the increased burping lasts longer than two days, experts speak of a so-called chronic hiccups. Those affected usually find this very stressful and exhausting. Not infrequently, lack of sleep and depression are the result. It is therefore particularly important that a doctor is consulted as soon as possible. Even if an exact determination of the causes of chronic hiccups is usually difficult, the symptoms can be alleviated with medication.
In some cases, other diseases are responsible for the chronic hiccups. On the one hand, these are inflammations in the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. If these are associated with swelling in particular, irritation of the diaphragm and its nerves is possible. On the other hand, nerve disorders, for example in the brain, can cause permanent restrictions and cramps in the diaphragm. In addition, hormonal diseases or infections, such as Ebola, are possible triggers for persistent, chronic hiccups.
