 |
|
Home >>
Ask a question >>
Medicines and Remedies |
|
Treatment for Hiccups
My wife is suffering from Hiccups from last three months. Doctor treatment is still going on but no progress. Kindly advice me
(13 Sep 2010)
|
|
|
A hiccup is an involuntary action that is brought about when our diaphragm is irritated. The diaphragm is a muscle which divides the stomach and the chest. The main function of this muscle is to push air into as well as out off the lungs, as we breathe.
When the diaphragm spasms, it leads to a quick intake of air, this is what causes the ‘hic’ sound. Hiccups are a very common phenomenon that results in a lot of discomfort while they last. This condition can be brought about due to the following reasons; eating too fast, smoking, spicy or hot food, excessive intake of alcohol, diabetes, infection, heartburn, laryngitis, surgery, general anesthesia and so on.
Here are a few simple home remedies for hiccups. The oldest and the most popular method of treating hiccups, is by drinking plenty of water. Consume an entire glass of water, while holding your breath at the same time. This is known to work well for this condition. Eating a spoonful of honey is also said to work well for hiccups. Brown paper bags are widely used particularly is hospitals, for treating this condition. Keep breathing in and out of this bag for about 5 minutes. Breathing into the brown paper bag will help in increasing the level of carbon dioxide in the body. The body then interprets this as a sign of suffocation, and the respiratory system then urges it to take much deeper breaths. These deep breaths, is what may possibly stop the diaphragm spasms. It may sound ridiculous, but scaring someone is actually one of the best way to get rid of hiccups. The sudden start or shock that a person experiences when scared, is said to stop diaphragm spasms.
Cold water is also recommended for those that are faced by this particular problem. Sip on a glass of chilled water or as an alternative you can also suck on an ice cube till it melts in your mouth. This remedy follows the same logic as the scare treatment; this is because the cold water too is believed to shock the system, which then helps in getting rid of the hiccups. Lemons are also considered to be useful for this condition. The fruit is said to overwhelm the irritated nerves due to its sour taste. Sprinkle a dash of salt on a lemon slice. Now keep sucking on this for a few minutes, till you begin to notice the hiccups disappearing.
|
|
answered by G M on 13 Sep 2010, 3:51:41
|
|
|
|
Read more questions in Medicines and Remedies
|
|
|
|
|
