Hiccups Explained, & Hopefully Cured
Good morning everyone, today I've got some interesting facts
about hiccups. Hiccups are basically a reflex action. They are
caused by irritation of the Vagus nerve (or its branches), which
runs from your brain to your abdomen. It is believed that
hiccups are usually brought on by common digestive disturbances.
Although you probably cant remember, we've all been suffering
from hiccups since infancy, and 3 to 5 times a year ever since.
We've all heard of old wives tales for getting rid of hiccups,
which all work by stifling the Vagus nerves signals with more
pressing matters, such as a big fright or the need to breathe.
Anyway, I've dug out 13 tried and tested methods for stopping
hiccups, so you'll never have to look like a stereotypical drunk
of a Disney Movie ever again.
Sweeten those hiccups out of existence- Forget Bouquets and
Barry White, but it is possible to stop hiccups by overloading
your taste buds. This is achieved by having a spoonful of sugar,
which should ideally be placed at the back of your tongue, which
is optimised for tasting sour things.
Don't listen to them- Some doctors recommend putting your
fingers in your ears (but not too far or you'll damage them).
This works because the Vagus nerve also reaches into the
auditory system and poking your fingers around inside your head
should stimulate it into action.
A good ol' fashioned scare- This is a classic home remedy, find
someone to give you a fright, which can overwhelm the Vagus
nerve and scare away the hiccups.
A glass of water- another classic remedy, which works on the
principle that swallowing water interrupts the hiccup cycle.
Yank your tongue- Apparently, sticking out your tongue and
pulling on it will stop hiccups.
Tickling- either get someone to tickle you if you're that way
inclined, or tickle the roof of your mouth with a cotton bud.
Holding your breathe- this works, but remember to cover your
nose and mouth. This stops the hiccup reflex by creating the
more pressing condition of a build up of Carbon Dioxide in your
bloodstream.
Breathe into a paper bag- works on the same principle as
holding your breathe.
Antacid tablets- Magnesium based remedies tend to decrease
irritation to the nerves, and should stop hiccups.
Take your time eating- When you scoff down your lunch it
doesn't get chewed properly, which causes air to get trapped
between mouthfuls resulting in hiccups.
Don't eat so much- Scientists believe that hiccups can occur
when your body is trying to tell you not to eat any more until
your stomach has digested its contents.
Chill out on spicy foods- some spices may irritate the
oesophagus or cause a build up of excess stomach acid, causing
hiccups.
Don't drink like a maniac- alcoholic beverages stimulate the
oesophagus and stomach causing hiccups. Being a big drinker for
a long time will also damage the food pipe, making you more
prone to hiccups. Downing pints, funnelling and other gluttonous
party tricks cause hiccups by irritating the digestive system,
and by causing the oesophagus to expand rapidly.
Well there's some top tips about curing hiccups, so next time
you stimulate your Vegus nerve try out some of these methods.
I'm particularly curious about the yanking your tongue one. If
anyone tries these methods out be sure to let the DWB know by
posting a comment here, and maybe in a few weeks time we can put
together a top five tried and tested remedies.
So until next time dear readers... Goodbye
DWB