Hiccups can be troublesome and often do not know what to do to put an end to them. There are several theories and myths, such as scares or swallowing sugar. But do they really work? Here's what science says.
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26/08/2026
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Cit's just that you've already happened to be hiccupped and not really understand why. In the same way it may have managed to resolve the issue, either by a few minutes or by some technique. Did you try to swallow sugar? Or even someone gave him a scare? They are some of the most common techniques, but are they myths or effective solutions? Know what science has to say.
Whether after drinking or eating something, or even out of nowhere, hiccups are common. “ Hiccups are sounds that we produce unintentionally and result from diaphragm spasms. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest (the chest area) from the abdomen. This muscle plays an important role in the breathing process, moving down when we inspire and up when we expire”, reads on the page of the CUF health network.
Is it possible to end the hiccups?
To stop hiccups there are several techniques that you can use, but that is really why you have run out of them. “People have very interesting interventions like scares, tickles, drinking for 90 seconds or drinking upside down for 90 seconds. However, these interventions have no scientific basis” physician Tyler Cymet told The Guardian.
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The doctor did a study with more than 50 people to try to understand more about hiccups. He performed several treatments and doctors, such as holding his breath among others. He concluded in the end that nothing is effective. “I guess the verdict is that nothing works. The hiccups start and stop alone, and that's it“, he continued.
Hiccups end up not being something much studied since they have a somewhat short period of duration. Thinking that there are methods that eventually work, there is no scientific evidence to prove that they are involved in the solution.
Still, some of the methods are eventually advised by some doctors and specialists. For example, the land website, pulmonologist Michelle Andreata left some methods that she can paste into practice to put an end to hiccups.
It is the case of inspiring deep and holding your breath for about 10 seconds, drinking water in rhyming sips, gargling cold water for a few seconds, pulling your tongue out, pressing the diaphragm zone, lifting your knees to the chest area or blowing into a plastic bag.
“I would remind you that these methods do not present any kind of scientific evidence, but usually contribute to the relief of hiccups“, continue.
Also gastroenterologist Aditi Stanton left some of the solutions she advises, such as swallowing a sugar spoon. “The evidence of this method is limited, but repeatedly swallowing may disrupt the hiccups and help the body regain control.”
On the other hand, you must breathe slowly and with control. “This approach activates the nervous system and promotes relaxation and relieves hiccups.”