How to get rid of hiccups — Doctor explains
Everyone experienced the so-called "hiccups" at least once in their life. But did you know that sometimes it can indicate certain diseases, last for a long time, and cause exhaustion?
This was reported by the Rivne Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Telegram.
Why hiccups appear
In most cases, hiccups are not dangerous and go away on their own after a short time. But sometimes it can be a symptom of certain diseases and can last for a long time, exhausting a person.
Scientists believe that it is a reflex reaction of the body, which is necessary only for the embryo in the womb. It helps to remove amniotic fluid from the baby's respiratory system. And after birth, the reflex is no longer needed.
Hiccups can occur due to:
- overeating or consuming carbonated drinks and foods that can cause flatulence;
- talking while eating, eating too fast, or drinking water with food;
- drinking alcohol, in particular through a straw or on an empty stomach;
- air ingestion into the digestive system: during loud laughing or screaming;
- smoking, in particular, on an empty stomach.
- inhalation of air containing dust, smoke, or other contaminants;
- overstrain of the nervous system: in case of fright or stress.
How to get rid of hiccups
The most common way is to drink plenty of cold water, as well as:
- take a deep breath and hold it for as long as possible;
- inhale a large amount of air and exhale into a paper bag, and take the next breath out of this bag;
- chew a piece of lemon, a pinch of salt or sugar;
- stretch the tip of the tongue forward and up, and then down.
Earlier, we wrote how to fight fever and quickly bring down the temperature.
