Hiccups: Information for patients and carers

Hiccups are an irritating symptom and can be painful and disturb sleep

These techniques are recommended during a bout of hiccups:

  • Breath holding
  • The Valsalva manoeuvre:
    • Inhale deeply and then hold your breath
    • Imagine that the chest and stomach muscles are very tight and bear down as though straining to initiate a bowel movement
    • Hold this position for a short time, usually about 10 seconds
  • Breathing into a paper bag
  • Sipping iced water
  • Compressing the diaphragm by pulling the knees up to the chest
  • Swallowing water while closing the nose

Other non drug measures:

  • Pharyngeal stimulation / palatal massage- Rub the back of your palate with your index finger - as far back as possible without causing gagging. This is often effective at least temporarily

When to seek medical help

If your hiccups persist for more than 48 hours you can ask your doctor to consider medication

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15th February 2023

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