Buzz
The origin of hiccups is debated. Ancient Greek physician Galen believed they were caused by intense emotions surfacing from the body, while others thought they signaled liver issues. Modern science links hiccups to involuntary spasms in the diaphragm, the large muscle that sits between the chest and abdomen and helps with breathing. These spasms can occur due to various triggers that irritate the nerves controlling the diaphragm's movement, such as overeating, heavy drinking, sudden temperature changes, or strong emotions like shock or excitement.
Regardless of the cause, the outcome is the same: the diaphragm spasms, leading to a quick intake of breath. This rush of air forces the epiglottis (the flap that protects the vocal cords) to close, cutting off the airflow and creating the familiar "hic" sound.
HOW TO STOP THEM?
The most effective remedy for hiccups can vary based on who you ask. Nearly all treatments are based on one of two ideas: One method works by distracting the vagus nerve with another sensation. The vagus nerve, a cranial nerve, connects to the stomach and sends sensory signals about the body's organs to the brain. When overwhelmed by other sensations, it essentially signals the brain that something more important needs attention, thus stopping the hiccups. (Vagus nerve stimulation is also used to control seizures in epileptic patients and treat cases of depression resistant to medication.) The second approach is to alter the breathing pattern, increasing carbon dioxide in the blood, which forces the body to focus on expelling the CO2 rather than continuing the hiccups.
A spoonful of sugar is likely the most commonly recommended cure for hiccups, falling under the first category. A teaspoon of sugar is usually enough to activate the vagus nerve and stop the hiccups. However, even strong advocates of this remedy disagree on whether the sugar should be consumed dry or with water.
If the sugar remedy fails, and your hiccups are severe and persistent, stronger treatments may be necessary. In such cases, doctors sometimes prescribe a combination of Reglan (a gastrointestinal stimulant) and Thorazine (an anti-psychotic with sedative effects) to calm the hiccups. For cases that do not respond to these drugs, Kemstro, an anti-spasmodic, may be used. Some doctors have also implanted vagus nerve stimulators in patients' upper chests. These pacemaker-like devices send electrical impulses through the vagus nerve to the brain to regulate the hiccup cycle.
Many people prefer home remedies for hiccups, such as holding their breath, gargling with ice water, or breathing into a paper bag. While those who rely on these methods often swear by their effectiveness, there's no conclusive scientific evidence that any of them truly work. But if it works for you, isn’t that all that matters?
Earlier versions of this article were published in 2012.
