Hiccups are caused due to the irregular movement of the diaphragm or the irritation of the diaphragm. This makes the breath to move in a jerky pattern making a unique sound. It is also referred as the automatic contractions of the muscles of the diaphragm, which is the separation between the chest and stomach. Normally it lasts for about few minutes and rarely continues to hours and sometimes even days.

The causes for hiccups are many, such as: abdominal surgery, spicy food, gulping of large quantity of food, over stretching of neck, smoking, infection, drinking excessive alcohol, diabetes, Laryngitis, heartburn, irritation in eardrums etc. The only symptom of hiccups is the contraction of diaphragm resulting in continuous ‘hic’ sound from the throat.

The various remedies for treating hiccups include:

• Boil half tbsp of cardamom powder in a glass of water till the volume reduces to half the volume. Cool the mixture and drink it slowly.
• Try sipping ice water quickly. Or Drink a glass of soda water.
• Placing an ice bag on the diaphragm will help in reducing hiccups.
• Close your eyes and press your eyes gently.
• Eat a tbsp of sugar will help in relieving from hiccups. Try the same with a tbsp of peanut butter.
• Eat half a bowl of curds mixed with 1-2 tbsp of salt.
• Eat small pieces of ginger to treat hiccups.
• Hold your breath and try to gargle with water.
• Inhale black pepper powder. This results in sneezing. This sometimes relieves you from hiccups.

Apart from these tips, avoid spicy or oily foods to avoid hiccups. The oily and spicy foods tend to create irritation in the inner lining of the esophagus. If the hiccups never stop and still continues for more than 24 hours, it is better to visit a doctor.

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