What causes hiccups, how do you get rid of them and why do newborn babies get them?
Very few of the methods for shifting hiccups are scientifically proven, but we've all got out own creative solution for combating them
WE all get them from time to time, but what exactly causes hiccups?
We lift the lid on why we get hiccups and also the remedies people suggest for getting rid of them.
What causes hiccups?
There are a number of things that can cause a person to get a bout of pesky hiccups.
Swallowing air is the main cause, and you can do this by eating too fast, smoking or chewing gum but you can also get hiccups when you eat too much and irritate your diaphragm.
Hiccups are sometimes thought to be a reflex to protect a person from choking.
There are also some more serious - but rare - causes of hiccups like damage to the liver, strokes or brain tumours or damage to the vagus nerve.
How do you get rid of hiccups?
There are a lot of recommended techniques for shifting hiccups. Here are some of the more popular methods:
- Drink a full glass of water very quickly
- Hold your breath for as long as you can
- Put a pinch of salt under your tongue
- Pull on your tongue
- Gargle with ice cold water
- Get someone to scare you
- Bite into some a wedge of lemon
The majority of these have not been proven with actual science, although anecdotal evidence suggests that they work for some people.
Why do newborn babies get hiccups?
Babies can also get hiccups, often after crying or coughing.
This is particularly common in babies in the first year.
To help a baby prevent your baby from getting hiccups you can try feeding them in an upright position and keeping them upright for 20 minutes after each feed.
You could also try feeding your baby with smaller portions but more frequently.
If your baby already has hiccups you could try burping them, giving them some water or simply letting it run its course.