How do you stop hiccups?
Disclaimer: Please note that this is not a medical website. We strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for expert advice. We simply curate tips and solutions found online, which are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Home remedies
Gentle acupressure points
Apply pressure for 20–60 seconds.
The junction between the jaw and the ear, or points below the collarbonesLean forward / compress the chest / pull your knees to your chest
Bend your upper body forward or “curl up” to compress the chest.
This compression can “interrupt” the reflex or alter the position of the diaphragmBreathe into a paper bag
Do not use a plastic bag; ensure this does not cause dizziness.
Increases inspired CO₂ (and affects the diaphragmatic reflex)Valsalva maneuver (or equivalent)
Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and blow as if inflating a balloon (without letting air out).
By forcing exhalation against an obstruction, you alter internal pressures and influence the vagus nerveGently pull the tongue
Gently pull your tongue forward for a few seconds.
This stretches the nerves of the tongue and throat, stimulating the vagus nerveSwallow a little vinegar or suck on a lemon wedge
One or two drops of diluted vinegar or a small lemon wedge (in moderation).
The acidity disrupts the nerves involved (vagus / pharyngeal)Swallow dry sugar or honey
Place a small spoonful of sugar or honey on your tongue and let it melt / swallow.
The sugar / sweetness stimulates the receptors in the throat, altering the nerve signalDrink very cold water (or gargle)
Sip slowly or gargle with ice-cold water.
The cold irritates/stimulates the vagus nerve or “distracts” the diaphragmBreathe in several times without exhaling (HAPI technique)
Breathe in slowly, hold your breath, then exhale gently. Repeat if necessary.
The goal is to combine respiratory activation with breath-holding to “interrupt” the reflex loopHold your breath (apnea)
Take a deep breath, hold it for 10 to 20 seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat this 10 times in a row.
This is said to relax the diaphragm and thus stop the hiccups
Persistent Hiccups
When hiccups last more than 48 hours without improvement, they are referred to as persistent or chronic hiccups.
In this case, it is strongly recommended that you contact a healthcare professional.
Treatment options in this type of situation
- Chlorpromazine — often prescribed as a first-line treatment for persistent hiccups.
- Baclofen — a muscle relaxant, sometimes useful in this context.
- Metoclopramide — used in certain cases, particularly when the digestive system is involved.
- Gabapentin — increasingly mentioned as a possible option in refractory cases.
These medications are prescribed only under medical supervision, due to their potential side effects.
More invasive interventions/techniques
When drug treatments fail:
- Phrenic nerve block (local anesthetic injection) to “cut off” the nerve signal responsible for hiccups.
- Implantable vagus nerve stimulator (a technique similar to those used in neurology)—rarely used, but some documented cases show it to be effective.
- Surgery / phrenic nerve section — extreme, rarely indicated, and reserved for very severe cases.
Found online to help you stop hiccups!
Pink anti-hiccup straw
HiccAway Set of 2 Hiccup Straws – Stops Hiccups Naturally and Quickly
Hiccup Straw (blue)