Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, collaborating with experts worldwide, have introduced a novel, evidence-based intervention for hiccups. Published in a peer-reviewed journal, the study introduces the term "forced inspiratory suction and swallow tool" (FISST) and shares survey results from 249 users comparing it to traditional home remedies like breathing into a paper bag.
The Need
"Hiccups are occasionally annoying for some, but for others, they significantly impact quality of life," says Ali Seifi, MD, associate professor of neurosurgery at UT Health San Antonio's Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine. "This affects many patients with brain injuries, strokes, and cancer—some chemotherapy drugs even trigger them. We included several cancer patients in this study."
A Simple, Effective Tool
FISST is a rigid drinking tube equipped with an inlet valve. Users vigorously suck water from a cup into their mouth, simultaneously stimulating the phrenic and vagus nerves to halt hiccups. The powerful suction contracts the diaphragm—the muscle that expands the lungs during breathing—while sucking and swallowing closes the epiglottis, the flap covering the windpipe, effectively ending the spasm.
User Feedback
Users reported FISST stopped hiccups in nearly 92% of cases. Satisfaction was high: 226 of 249 participants (90.8%) found it user-friendly. On effectiveness, 183 of 203 (90.1%) confirmed it worked well. Fewer responded to the final question, possibly due to survey fatigue, notes Dr. Seifi.
Developed at UT Health San Antonio by Dr. Seifi with medical student input, FISST is now marketed by a Colorado company under a university licensing agreement and accepted by a major supermarket chain for retail shelves.
About the Study
The project began with 600 individuals who reported hiccups and received FISST. Of these, 290 completed a survey comparing it to other remedies; 249 provided full responses for analysis.
Responses used a 1-5 scale (5 = very satisfied with FISST; 1 = prefer home remedies). Participants were mostly adults over 18 (70%), evenly split by gender, and nearly 80% white. About 69% experienced hiccups at least monthly, with 65% lasting under two hours.
