Best Remedies for Hiccups Caused by Illness in Adults
What are Hiccups?
Hiccups are spasms of your diaphragm paired with a "hic" sound as your vocal cords close. They're usually harmless, but sometimes, you may need treatment to help get rid of hiccups and manage the underlying cause.
Causes of Hiccups in Adults
Hiccups can be caused by a variety of factors, including illness, medication, eating too quickly or drinking too much, and stress. In adults, hiccups are often a symptom of a underlying medical condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), laryngitis, or liver disease.
Remedies for Hiccups Caused by Illness
While most cases of hiccups go away on their own without medical treatment, if an underlying medical condition is causing your hiccups, treating that condition may stop the hiccups. Here are some of the best remedies for hiccups caused by illness in adults:
- Drink water slowly and calmly, avoiding sipping from a straw or bottle
- Hold your breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly
- Try the "hiccup hold": hold your breath for 10 seconds, and then exhale slowly while saying the word "hiccup"
- Eat small, frequent meals to ease digestion and reduce symptoms
- Take a warm bath or apply a heating pad to your stomach to relax the muscles
- Try ginger tea or ale to soothe your stomach and reduce nausea
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and ease congestion
- Get plenty of rest and manage stress levels to reduce the frequency of hiccups
Medications to Treat Hiccups
If your hiccups last longer than two days or are severe, your doctor may prescribe medications to help stop them. Some of the most effective medications for hiccups include:
- Metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Cisapride (Propulsid)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
When to See a Doctor
While most cases of hiccups go away on their own, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it's best to consult a doctor:
- Severe hiccups that last longer than two days
- Persistent hiccups that interfere with your daily life
- Hiccups that are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting
- Recurring hiccups that are not responding to treatment
Conclusion
Hiccups are usually harmless, but if they're caused by an underlying medical condition, treating that condition may be necessary to stop the hiccups. By trying natural remedies and medications, you can manage your hiccups and improve your quality of life. If you experience persistent or severe hiccups, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and find the best course of treatment.
