We've all experienced synchronized diaphragm fibrillation (SDF), which is commonly known as hiccups. Even though it's a small problem that everyone has, you probably don't know much about the principles behind it. Let's unravel the mystery!
Hiccups are actually caused by our vagus and phrenic nerves, two "best friends" located in our neck that extend all the way to the diaphragm (a large muscle essential for breathing) in the abdomen. When these two nerves are stimulated, the diaphragm twitches involuntarily, causing the vocal cords to close suddenly, producing the familiar hiccup sound.
Whenever there is a hiccup attack, everyone will always share a variety of families** to deal with. These methods can be broadly summarized into two ideas:
Stimulates the vagus and phrenic nerves: Stop hiccups by giving these two nerves a stimulus that brings other sensations to the brain to the brain to deal with now.
Increase the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood by changing the way you breathe: This allows the body to focus more on eliminating carbon dioxide instead of continuing to burp.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach that works all the time, that doesn't stop us from trying a few common coping strategies:
Sweet Raiders: Put a teaspoon of sugar on the back of the tongue (sour taste awareness zone) and hold for 10 to 15 seconds before swallowing. Sugar can "overload" the vagus nerve endings and may stop hiccups. Honey or peanut butter are also good options.
Sour showdown: Try to disturb the vagus nerve with sour foods such as lemon. Apple cider vinegar is also a good choice, and its sour taste may stop the burps immediately.
Calm down: Taking antacids that are high in magnesium can help relieve irritation of the vagus and phrenic nerves.
Cold water**: Try rinsing your mouth with ice water, or drink very cold water slowly, or suck on ice cubes. The cold may interrupt the convulsions of the vagus nerve.
Breath-holding method: Hold your breath for as long as you can, or breathe into a paper bag, which increases the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood, so that your body is too busy to get rid of carbon dioxide and forget about hiccups.
Pressure point tricks: Stimulates the vagus nerve by pulling the tip of the tongue or gently pressing on the eyeball. Some doctors recommend gently inserting a finger into the ear to stop the hiccups, as the branches of the vagus nerve also extend into the auditory system.
Why wait until after a hiccup attack to find a solution? Here are some tips to prevent hiccups:
Eat slowly: Eating quickly can cause underchewed food to be swallowed along with air, irritating the vagus nerve.
Avoid overeating: Eating too much can cause the stomach to overdistend, triggering hiccups.
Eat less spicy foods: Some spicy foods may irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach, causing hiccups.
Drink alcohol in moderation: Alcohol can irritate both the esophagus and stomach, and excessive alcohol consumption can also damage the lining of the esophagus.
Although hiccups are usually not a big problem, most of the time they stop on their own. But if the hiccups are severe enough to interfere with eating, breathing or sleeping, or persist for more than 48 hours, then you should see a doctor.
Diaphragm