Almost everyone has experienced hiccups—a sudden, unexpected hic that can interrupt your day or make a quiet moment awkward. Medically known as singultus, hiccups occur due to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, followed by the abrupt closure of the vocal cords, which produces the familiar sound. While typically harmless and short-lived, hiccups can be irritating or even distressing when persistent.
Fun Fact: Hiccups are steeped in folklore across various cultures. In Russia, they are believed to indicate that someone misses you, while in Hungary, they suggest gossip about you. Historically, the English attributed hiccups to mischievous elves, requiring elaborate rituals for relief. In India, they are seen as a sign of negative thoughts directed toward you, linked to the evil eye superstition. These diverse beliefs reflect how hiccups have been interpreted as connections to social interactions and unseen influences throughout history.
Techniques to Quickly Interrupt the Hiccup Reflex
If you are looking for effective ways to stop hiccups quickly, several home remedies are anecdotally known to provide relief. These methods generally work by either interrupting the respiratory reflex arc (vagus or phrenic nerve stimulation) or by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, which may signal the brain to prioritize normal breathing and relax the diaphragm [1].
1. Hold Your Breath to Increase CO2
One of the simplest ways to stop a hiccup episode is by holding your breath. Take a deep breath, hold it for about 10 to 20 seconds, then exhale slowly. This technique helps increase the carbon dioxide levels in your lungs, which may relax your diaphragm and ease the spasms [1]. If the first attempt doesn’t work, repeat the process a few more times. An even more effective method, known as the Hiccup relief using Active Prolonged Inspiration (HAPI) technique, involves maximally inhaling and then continuing to attempt to inhale against a closed glottis for 30 seconds before slowly exhaling [2].
2. Drink Cold Water to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve
Sipping cold water or gargling with ice water can help stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a role in controlling the diaphragm. Try drinking cold water slowly or quickly to see if it interrupts the hiccup cycle. The sudden temperature change may help reset your diaphragm’s rhythmic contractions and provide relief.
3. Swallow a Teaspoon of Sugar for Sensory Distraction
Swallowing a teaspoon of granulated sugar is an anecdotally effective remedy for brief bouts of singultus. Place the sugar on your tongue and let it sit for 5 to 10 seconds before swallowing. The rough texture and subsequent swallowing action can irritate the pharynx and uvula, stimulating the vagus nerve and helping relax the diaphragm [3].
4. Breathe Into a Paper Bag to Build Up CO2
Breathing into a paper bag can help increase the carbon dioxide levels in your lungs, which may relax your diaphragm and stop the spasms. Place a paper lunch bag over your mouth and nose, then slowly breathe in and out, deflating and inflating the bag. Perform this slowly and be cautious not to hyperventilate or get lightheaded.
5. Gentle Tongue Pull or Pressing Pressure Points
Gently pulling on your tongue can stimulate the nerves and muscles in your throat, potentially easing diaphragm spasms. Gently pull the tip of your tongue forward once or twice. Similarly, gently massaging your carotid artery (on the side of your neck) or applying light pressure on your diaphragm may also stimulate the vagal or phrenic nerves to calm the reflex [4].
6. Sour Tastes (Lemon or Apple Cider Vinegar)
Biting into a slice of lemon, sucking on a lemon wedge with a bit of salt, or sipping diluted Apple Cider Vinegar can help stop hiccups. The strong sour taste creates a sudden sensory input that stimulates the vagus nerve, potentially distracting your body from the hiccup reflex. Limit Apple Cider Vinegar intake if you have acid reflux or a sensitive stomach, and rinse your mouth with water afterwards to protect your teeth from the citric acid.
Tips to Minimise Hiccup Occurrence
While hiccups are usually harmless and resolve on their own, there are several measures you can take to minimise their occurrence by avoiding known triggers:
- Eat slowly and in smaller portions to avoid swallowing excess air, which can irritate the diaphragm and stomach.
- Steer clear of spicy foods and carbonated beverages that may trigger hiccups by irritating the stomach and diaphragm [3].
- Refrain from consuming excessive alcohol or smoking, as both can irritate the nerves controlling the diaphragm.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes in the stomach by not consuming very hot or very cold foods and drinks in quick succession.
- Be cautious when chewing gum, as it can lead to swallowing air and potentially trigger hiccups.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or controlled, slow deep breathing to reduce stress, which can trigger hiccups.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most hiccup episodes are benign, lasting only a few minutes, but their persistence can indicate an underlying medical issue [5]. If your hiccups last more than 48 hours or are severe enough to interfere with eating, breathing, or sleeping, it is time to see a doctor. This duration is clinically defined as persistent hiccups. Additionally, if you experience concerning symptoms such as stomach pain, chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, or vomiting along with the hiccups, seeking medical attention is imperative. Other red flags that warrant a visit to the doctor include coughing up blood, a sore throat, or changes in your voice.
Conclusion
Hiccups are usually a minor nuisance, but they can become disruptive when persistent. The good news? Most hiccups go away with simple, traditional remedies—like breath-holding, sipping cold water, or using sensory distractions like sugar or lemon. Understanding your triggers and using effective home techniques can often provide quick relief. However, it is important to remember that for most of these home remedies, the evidence is anecdotal, meaning they are commonly used but not yet fully backed by extensive scientific studies.
If your hiccups linger or are accompanied by other symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you get rid of hiccups?
Effective techniques often aim to stimulate the vagus nerve or increase blood CO2 levels. These include holding your breath for 10-20 seconds, breathing into a paper bag, gargling with ice water, or slowly sipping cold water.
What is the best drink to cure hiccups?
Sipping very cold water slowly is often recommended, as the cold temperature can stimulate the vagus nerve and help relax the diaphragm, potentially treating the spasms [4].
Which pressure points can stop hiccups?
Techniques like gently pulling on the tongue, applying gentle pressure on each side of the nose while swallowing, or massaging the carotid artery may stimulate nerves and muscles involved in stopping hiccups.
Why does sugar stop hiccups?
It is hypothesised that sugar can irritate the pharynx and uvula, stimulating the vagus nerve and causing a brief sensory distraction that helps interrupt the hiccup reflex and relax the diaphragm [3].
How do you stop hiccups that have lasted for hours?
If a bout of hiccups persists, try repeated attempts at holding your breath, breathing into a paper bag, or other sensory remedies like swallowing sugar. If the hiccups last more than 2 days (48 hours), you should consult a doctor.
How long should a bout of hiccups last?
Most cases last only a few minutes and resolve spontaneously. Persistent hiccups (lasting over 48 hours) or intractable hiccups (lasting over a month) are rare and may require medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause [5].
References
[1] NHS Choices. (2019). Hiccups. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiccups/
[2] Stacey, S. K., & Bassett, M. S. (2024). Hiccup Relief Using Active Prolonged Inspiration. Cureus, 16(1), e53045. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.53045
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Hiccups: Causes, treatment & when to see a doctor. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17672-hiccups
[4] Practo Consult. (n.d.). Hiccups Problem – Is There Any Simple Remedy For Hiccups Besides…. Retrieved October 30, 2025, from https://www.practo.com/consult/hiccups-problem-is-there-any-simple-remedy-for-hiccups-besides-holding-the-breath-i-get-them-often-and-for-long/q
[5] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, March 3). Hiccups: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/symptoms-causes/syc-20352613