Hiccups

The involuntary intakes of air known as hiccups are provoked by repeated spasms of the diaphragm, the sheet of muscle separating the chest and abdomen. Most attack of hiccups, which include making an uncontrollable noise with each intake,last only a few minutes. Although irritation, hiccups are not serious, but youcan try a variety of home eredies to stop and attack.

Hiccups often begin after having a large hot drink or large meal, when an overfull stomach presses on the diaphragm. Attacks of hiccups usually stop of their own accord, rarely lasting more than 20 minutes. IF they persist or make you uncomforable or embarressed, any of several simple traditional remedies may be effective, In rare cases, continuing hiccups signinfly a underlying disorder.

PREVENTION

Get into the habit of eating and drinks slowly. Avoid ingesting too much at one time, always chew thoroughly, avoid stress at mealtimes. hiccups

TREATMENT

The following three remedies work by raising the body's level of carbon dioxide, which seems to relax the diaphragm.

Slowly sipping a glass of cold water can stop the bout of hiccups. A variation is to bend your head forward over a glass of water and slowly sip from the other side of the rim. These remedies may work, because most people breathe relatively little as they sip, thereby increasing their body's carbon dioxide level. The rhythmic contractions of the sophagus induced by slow sipping and swallowing also overide the spasms of the diaphragm.
Take a breath and hold it for a while, but exhale before you get light-headed or dizzy.
Hold a paper bag- (never use plastic)- over your nose and mouth and breathe in and out several times.

Acupressure:

Apply firm pressure with fingers and thumb on the point on each side of the neck under the base of the skull fro two to three minutes while taking short, shallow breaths, This may calms the nerve that controls contractions of the diaphragm.

Herbal remedies:

The antispasmodic and relaxant effect of peppermint on the digestive tract may help relieve hiccups resulting from an overfull stomach, Have a tea after main meals. tea

Consulting a Professional of Herbal remedies:

When you visit an herbalist, he or she will ask about your medical history, paying especially close attention to your diet and lifestyle. If necessary, the therapist will perform a physical examination. Having assessed your condition, the herbalist then looks for the root cause of the problem by finding out where any imbalance in you health could have occurred.The herbalist will give dietary advice, suggesting changes that may help you and give you recommended doses and dont forget to alway's check with your doctor.