Hiccups (Hiccoughs) are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle with the characteristic “hiccup” sounds.
Diaphragm is a sheet of internal skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic cavity (heart and lungs) from the abdominal cavity and performs an important function in respiration. The diaphragm most time works normally, when you inhale, it pulls down to help pull air into the lungs. When you exhale, it relaxes and air flows out of the lungs back out. But some times, when diaphragm is irritated, it causes a spasm. The spasm of the diaphragm causes the disorders of the closure and open of the vocal cords (glottis). This causes a “hiccup” sound.
Hiccups often occur after eating too quickly or too much, or a sudden change in stomach temperature, such as eating a hot food and then a cold drink. This triggers a spasm of the diaphragm.
How to relieve hiccups? It is simple. The following are two home remedies to stop hiccups:
1. Drink 1/2 cup of warm water. You can heat water in microwave, and drink it.
2. Eat a teaspoon of sugar or honey. Or add a teaspoon of sugar or honey in 1/2 cup of warm water, and drink it.
Please note, if the hiccups still continue after applied the above remedies, then you may need to see a doctor.
For information about natural remedies for indigestion, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/indigestion/
