Most people get hiccups sometimes. Hiccups usually only last a few minutes and go away without treatment.
Stopping or preventing hiccups
Hiccups usually go away on their own. But there are things you can try to stop or prevent hiccups. These things may not work for everyone.
Do
-
breathe into a paper bag - do not put the bag over your head
-
pull your knees up to your chest and lean forward
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sip very cold water
-
swallow some granulated sugar
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bite on a lemon
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take a teaspoon of vinegar
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hold your breath for a short time
Don't
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do not drink alcoholic, fizzy or hot drinks
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do not chew gum or smoke - these can cause you to swallow air
-
do not eat spicy food
-
do not eat food very quickly
-
do not eat or drink something very cold immediately after something hot
Why we get hiccups
Often there is no clear cause of hiccups.
Things that may trigger hiccups include:
- eating and drinking
- stress
- strong emotions, such as excitement
In rare cases, hiccups can last longer than a few minutes.
Hiccups that last longer than 2 days can be caused by a:
- health condition
- certain medicines
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if your hiccups:
- last longer than 2 days
- come back very often and affect your life
Treatment from your GP
Your GP can check if a health condition or medicine causes your hiccups.
If they find a cause, they may recommend:
- treatment for the condition
- changing your medicine
Your GP may prescribe a medicine called chlorpromazine if:
- your hiccups last longer than 2 days
- there is no obvious cause
But not everyone can take chlorpromazine. In rare cases, they may prescribe baclofen.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
