In the United States, neurologist Afi Seifi from the University of Texas at San Antonio has invented a specialized straw called HiccAway. This innovative device claims to outperform traditional hiccup remedies, offering reliable relief backed by clinical research.
Hiccups trigger a reflex from esophagus or stomach stimulation, prompting the brainstem to signal the diaphragm and respiratory muscles for sudden contractions. This leads to abrupt air intakes and vocal cord spasms, producing the classic "hic" sound.
Common remedies like breath-holding, ice on the diaphragm, sugar under the tongue, upside-down drinking, or lemon sucking offer unproven relief for this inconvenient reflex.
A study in JAMA Network Open on June 18, 2021, evaluated HiccAway with 249 volunteers worldwide. This followed a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in late 2020.
Dr. Seifi designed HiccAway to stimulate both the vagus and phrenic nerves. Featuring a pressure valve, it requires stronger suction than a regular straw, inducing a diaphragm contraction that halts the spasm causing vocal cord vibrations. Simply dip it into a half-full glass of water and sip vigorously.
The study found 90% of participants experienced better results than with conventional methods. However, without a placebo group, caution is advised – confirmatory results await randomized controlled trials.
This research addresses a gap highlighted in a 2015 study, which found insufficient evidence for hiccup remedies. Dr. Seifi positions HiccAway as a safe, effective alternative, pending further validation.
