How can you avoid hiccups?

During inspiration, the diaphragm and the intercostals muscles contract. The diaphragm moves downwards increasing the volume of the thoracic (chest) cavity, and the intercostals muscles pull the ribs up expanding the rib cage and further increasing this volume. This increase of volume lowers the air pressure in the alveoli to below atmospheric pressure. Because air always flows from a region of high pressure to a region of lower pressure, it rushes in through the respiratory tract and into the alveoli. This is called negative pressure breathing, changing the pressure inside the lungs relative to the pressure of the outside atmosphere. But sometimes, diaphragm gets irritated and it results hiccups as it evades from the control of brain.  During this situation, the inhaled air is unable to move freely due to several factors and it results Hiccups and we feel uncomfortable.

Reasons:  There are several reasons such as eating food fastly, or eating very hot.

Sometimes it is caused due to the intake of pain killers or steroid tablets. Sometimes it occurs due to inadequate consumption of water too. If it continues more than two days, it may be the symptoms of other diseases due to the damages in the kidney, diaphragm, spleen, lungs, and other infections. In short if the percentage of urea is increased in the blood, one can experience hiccups.

Remedial measures for ordinary Hiccups:  Take deep breath and keep the inhaled air for a while and exhale slowly. If you practice it for more than five times, the problem will be solved. Otherwise, drink three cups of cold water briskly or take one table spoon of sugar in the mouth and allow it to be dissolved. The above steps may give relief to hiccups. As a last .step, exhale the air in a paper bag  and inhale back the same air continuously for about 20 times. In doing so, you can increase the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood and the increase of carbon dioxide in the blood will stop hiccups.

N.B : It is always advisable to contact a registered medical practitioner if you experience hiccups continuously for more than two days or often.