Hiccups occur when something, like eating too quickly, triggers the nerves in the spinal cord at the back of the neck. The nerves send a signal that controls the diaphragm. The diaphragm, in turn, causes the person to hiccup. They can last for a couple of minutes or they can last for hours. The longer they go on, the more frustrating and annoying they are. While not every hiccup remedy works immediately, all are easy enough to try at least once.
Step Two
Breathe from a Paper Bag - Breathing in and out of a paper bag boosts carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Breathe slowly for a few minutes or until you notice your hiccups subside.
Step Three
Sip Water - Slowly sipping water helps elevate carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Sip a glass of water without taking a breath for as long as you can. The hiccups should stop once you've finished drinking.
Step Four
Swallow Sugar - Place a teaspoon of sugar in your mouth at the back of your tongue and swallow it. Either swallow it dry or chase it with a glass of cold water.
Step Five
Pull Your Tongue - Pulling your tongue with your fingers might help stop hiccups in some people. Stick your tongue out and grab it with your fingers. Gently pull it out of your mouth and hold it there until you feel the hiccups fade.
Step Six
Compress Your Diaphragm - Compressing your diaphragm can stop the spasms causing the hiccups. Sit on a chair and lean forward so your chest is on your lap. Remain in this position, compressing the chest and diaphragm as much as is comfortably possible, until your hiccups stop.
Step Seven
Ice Water - Ice water can help stop hiccups in two ways. Slowly drinking ice water can stop hiccups by changing the temperature in the esophagus rapidly. Gargling with ice water is another option for stopping hiccups quickly.
Step Eight
Baking Soda - For lasting hiccups, try a baking soda remedy. Mix 2 tsp. of baking soda with 2 tsp. of aromatic spirits of ammonia and 4 oz. of peppermint water. Take 1 tbsp. of the mixture, and repeat if the first spoonful does not work.