To get rid of hiccups fast, you can drink an ice-cold glass of water, pinch your nose and force yourself to breathe out of it, or breathe deeply and slowly. These stimulate the nerves and muscles in the chest area to function and contract at the appropriate rate again.

Hiccups usually last a few seconds, and home techniques can be used to get rid of them more quickly. These techniques are popular and not all of them are based in scientific proof, therefore results may vary from person to person.

If hiccups persistent and last for more than a day, it is necessary to consult a doctor for assessment to determine the underlying causes. The doctor may prescribe medications to get rid of the hiccups, like gabapentin, metoclopramide and baclofen.

Ways to stop hiccups fast

Some ways to get rid of hiccups are:

1. Drinking a glass of ice water

Drinking a glass of cold water, or sucking on a piece of ice, stimulates the vagus nerve which can help to stop hiccups.

2. Putting a cold compress on your face

Placing a cold compress on your face helps to control your breathing, which can also get rid of hiccups.

3. Holding your breath

Holding your breath for as long as you can, for 10 to 20 seconds, or breathing into a paper bag are also good ways to get rid of hiccups. These methods can increase CO2 levels in the blood, stimulating the nervous system.

4. Breathing deeply and slowly

Breathing deeply and slowly, inhaling and exhaling air for a slow count of 5, helps to engage the diaphragm and breathing muscles, which can stop hiccups.

5. Getting a fright

Being scared releases adrenaline that interferes with brain function and stimulates muscle nerves, which stops the hiccups.

6. Hugging your knees

Hugging your knees also helps to get rid of hiccups, as it compresses the chest and diaphragm and changes the respiratory rate.

To hug your knees, you must sit down, lean your torso towards your legs and wrap your arms around your legs, with your hands behind your knees.

7. Going through the motions of a sneeze

Another way to stop hiccuping is to imitate the movements and breathing of a sneeze, as this help the diaphragm to function properly again.

8. Drinking water with your torso tilted

Drinking water with your torso leaning forward or upside down helps to relax your diaphragm and stop hiccups.

9. Pinching your nose and force yourself to breathe out of it

Pinch your nose and force yourself to exhale through your nose. This contract your chest and is referred to the Valsalva maneuver. This is another way to stimulate the nerves in your chest and stop hiccups.

10. Eating a spoonful of sugar

Eating a spoonful of sugar, honey, lemon, ginger or vinegar stimulates the taste buds, and can overload the nerves in the mouth. This can occupy the brain with other stimuli, relaxing the diaphragm.

How to stop hiccups permanently

To stop hiccups effectively and permanently, it is important to eliminate the underlying cause. Some causes of hiccups include stomach dilation from eating too much or too quickly, drinking alcohol and even brain diseases, such as meningitis.

In a newborn baby or even inside the mother's womb, hiccups can occur because the baby's diaphragm and respiratory muscles are still developing. Hiccups can also be common after starting breastfeeding.

In these cases, it is recommended to breastfeed the child when possible, and to burp after feeding.

How to prevent hiccups

There is no specific way to prevent hiccups forever, however you can take some measures into consideration to reduce the chance of them happening. These can include lifestyle changes, like drinking less alcohol, eating slower, eating smaller portions, and avoiding spicy foods.

In addition, some studies show that meditation, relaxation techniques, reducing stress and acupuncture can help to control hiccups.

When to go to the doctor

If your hiccups last for over a day, you should see your doctor, as this persistent or chronic condition may be related to an infection, inflammation, gastrointestinal disease or medication. In these cases, the doctor may order testing to investigate for conditions that may cause nonstop hiccups.

The doctor may also prescribe medication to treat intense hiccups, like chlorpromazine, haloperidol, metoclopramide, and in serious cases, phenytoin, gabapentin or baclofen.