10 reasons

YOU CAN’T STOP HICCUPPING

1 YOU’RE TAKING PILLS THAT TRIGGER THEM

MEDICATION can affect the nerves in the diaphragm, the muscle under the lungs that aids breathing; hiccups are an automatic reflex caused by a sudden contraction of the diaphragm. Drugs known to trigger them include sedatives such as diazepam, levodopa (for Parkinson’s disease), steroids and some antibiotics and painkillers. Speak to your GP about altering your dose.

2 YOU’RE EATING YOUR MEAL TOO FAST...

ANY movement that extends the diaphragm upwards, or increases the amount of air or fluid in the stomach, such as eating too quickly, could stimulate the vagus nerve (running through the oesophagus to the stomach), causing the involuntary spasm that triggers hiccups. Try distracting the nerves by drinking ‘upside down’ – hold the far edge of a glass filled with water against your upper lip. Bend your head forward and keep your upper lip touching the outer tip of the glass. Pour the water slowly into your mouth so it runs over your upper palate.

3 ... OR MUNCHING ON COLD POTATOES

WHEN potatoes are cooked and then cooled, they contain more resistant starch, which is harder to digest. This can create a lot of gas, irritating the diaphragm. Stick to eating them hot or just slowly and in small quantities.

4 BLAME THAT ACID REFLUX

DIGESTIVE acid can escape and travel towards the oesophagus, irritating the nerves there, leading to hiccups. Silicic acid gel from the pharmacy may help calm the digestive tract.

5 YOU’VE HAD A STRESSFUL DAY

STRESS, anxiety and excitement causes us to breathe faster, which puts pressure on the diaphragm. Take a moment to reset your breathing by inhaling for as long as you possibly can. This increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, which inhibits spasms.

6 TAKE EXTRA CARE ON A COLD DAY

SUDDEN temperature changes – such as those brought on by stepping outside on a cold day – can cause hiccups.

7 IT’S A GALLBLADDER OR HEART PROBLEM...

HICCUPS may be caused by chronic irritation of the nerves or tissue in the diaphragm, stomach or oesophagus. This may be an indication of a serious conditions such as gallbladder infection, heart inflammation or a brain condition. If hiccups persist after 48 hours, see your GP.

8 ... OR IT COULD BE A SIGN OF KIDNEY DISEASE

MALFUNCTIONING kidneys are unable to filter out harmful substances such as urea (a compound of protein). When high levels of urea accumulate in the blood, they can irritate the phrenic nerve, inducing spasms. See your GP if hiccups persist.

9 CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’RE PREGNANT

TWO-THIRDS of pregnant women experience frequent bouts of hiccups. This is due to excess release of the hormone progesterone that slows down digestion and the position of the foetus puts pressure on the diaphragm. Applying peppermint oil to the back of the neck can stimulate the nervous system.

10 AND WHY BABIES ARE PRONE TO HICCUP MORE

BABIES tend to swallow an excessive amount of air, making them more prone to hiccups. Put your baby in a more upright position when feeding them.