A hiccup is also called a hiccough which occurs when the diaphragm (the sheet of muscle separating the lungs from the abdomen) suddenly contracts, and the epiglottis (the flap of tissue at the back of the throat that closes the entrance to the voicebox and windpipe during swallowing) closes.



Hiccups are sudden contractions of the muscles we use to breathe in. Just after the muscles start to move, the glottis shuts off the windpipe, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. Hiccups can start in any season it has no any apparent reason and usually disappear after a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups can persist for days, weeks, or months. Hiccups are common and normal in newborns and infants.

Causes of The cause and function of hiccups has baffled medical practitioners since the time of Hippocrates. Although no one has figured out the exact cause science behind these abrupt diaphragmatic contractions. The vagus nerve impulse pattern in the throat causes spasms of the diaphragm which lead to a case of hiccups. By interrupting this pattern many people have success stopping hiccups. If you eat too fast, you can swallow air along with your food and end up with a case of the hiccups. Factors that may trigger hiccups are :-

? Eating too fast, especially hot and spicy food;

? Excessive alcohol consumption;

? Smoking; and

? Stress.

Home Remedies for *Put 1 drop of chamomile essential oil in a brown paper bag and then hold bag over nose and mouth; breathe in and out slowly and deeply through the nose.

*Pour a half pint of boiling water over a quarter of a red pepper; steep; drink a wineglassful. If no red pepper is available, use five drops of tincture of Capsicum in a tablespoonful of water.

*Take 5 to 6 green cardamom. Boil in 2 cups of water. When it is boils then down to 1 cup remove, sieve and drink while warm.

*Keeping an ice bag on the diaphragm is also effective.

*Another popular home remedy for hiccups involves holding the breath. Once a sufferer senses an impending hiccup, he or she should perform a dry swallow. Children suffering from hiccups may also be cured by holding their breath while being tickled. Resistance to laughter may trigger a gasping response which puts everything back in order. While holding one's breath is a popular remedy, some suggest performing the exact opposite action. Blowing air out in a steady, controlled stream may force the diaphragm to contract and end the spasms.

*Take some ice water and sip quickly.

*For a few minutes, close your eyes and gently massage your eyeballs.