Facts about hiccups and how to get rid of them
Almost everyone is plagued by hiccups at some point or another, but there’s one thing seemingly no one can agree on – what is the best way of getting rid of them?
From food to frights, there's many a home remedy floating about, so we've put together this article to let you know what's up with hiccups!
1. What are hiccups?
Hiccups are caused by a sudden and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, a flat sheet of muscle which sits beneath the lungs. This sudden spasm leads to a sharp intake of breath, which is then blocked off by the closing of your vocal cords, creating that dreaded 'hic' sound from which hiccups draw their name.
2. Why do we get hiccups?
Well, there's a lot of different theories for why people hiccup. Hiccups can occur as a result stress or other strong emotions like excitement, as well as sugary drinks and spicy food.
There's also possible medical conditions which may bring on hiccups, such as asthma or certain medications, but this is much more rare.
3. Can dogs get hiccups?
Yep, dogs can have it ruff when it comes to hiccups because, as it happens, they also get them too! Hiccuping is more commonly seen in puppies, with the frequency of bouts expected to decrease as dogs age, but it isn't something to be immediately concerned about.
Hiccups in dogs come about for much the same reasons as humans, and can sometimes be helped by feeding your dog smaller portions of food or making sure they have a drink of water.
And it doesn't just stop with dogs, check out this video of a panda with hiccups caught on camera.
4. How long do hiccups last?
Generally, hiccups will only last for a few minutes before stopping, but in some cases they can go on for a little longer.
Very occasionally, hiccuping can last for a few months, and for one man, Charles Osborne, even longer than that!
Charles holds the Guinness World Record for the longest case of continued hiccuping, coming in at a whopping 68 years, with his case beginning in 1922 and ending in February 1990. Check out some more bizarre world records.
5. How can you get rid of hiccups?
For the most part, hiccups will go away of their own accord after a couple of minutes.
Some common home remedies include getting a fright to shock the hiccups out of your system, holding your breath or drinking water upside down.
However, as hiccuping is difficult to purposefully induce, very little scientific research has been done into possible cures.
The NHS website recommends breathing into a paper bag (without putting it over your head), pulling your knees to your chest and leaning forward, sipping ice water or having a taste of lemon or vinegar.
