A Man having hiccups( photo/business guide Africa)
Hiccups are sudden, involuntary spasms or contraction of the diaphragm. The spasm causes an abrupt stop during inspiration. They may occur without any clear cause and always resolve by themselves after a short time. However, some have been reported to go on for a day or more.Some of the common causes of hiccups are; eating too much food and eating in a fast pace, hot and spicy food or liquids, drinking carbonated beverages, too much alcohol intake, smoking, inhaling harmful fumes, swallowing too much air, emotional stress or excitement and abdominal challenge.The following first aid tips may help in managing and treating hiccups. These tips usually involve increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood that eventually helps the spasms that cause hiccups.Hold breath and count up to 10 slowly and exhale. Do this for a few times. You can also breathe into a paper bag repeatedly for a short period of time. Another way to manage hiccups is by taking a teaspoon of honey or sugar. Do this 3 times at intervals of two minutes each.You might also opt to bite a slice of lemon to sooth the hiccups. You can drink a full glass of cold water or gargle it. This should help stop the hiccups. If none works, seek professional medical advice.