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How do you get rid of the hiccups?

The hiccups usually go away on their own. Impatient? Try these tips.

Everyone has the hiccups from time to time; repeated, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. It usually goes away on its own, but you can try these (not scientifically proven) tips to stop the hiccups.

How to stop the hiccups

  • Change your breathing:startle, hold your breath for as long as possible or breathe in and out quickly.
  • Breathing in a paper bag also seems to help; exhaled air contains more carbon dioxide than normal air. This allows the diaphragm to relax.
  • Suck on an ice cream for ten to fifteen minutes.
  • Suck on a piece of lemon.
  • Put a teaspoon of granulated sugar on the back of your tongue and swallow the sugar.

Prevent the hiccups

Avoid eating too much and too quickly, carbonated drinks and too much alcohol.