A Simple Breathing Technique That Actually Works For Hiccups

As much as I love science documentaries, research, conversations and podcasts, me actually blogging about it doesn't come as easy as philosophical, finance and rant blogs. But well, nobody was born skilled, they worked at it and got better.

So cheers to me making an effort in this community.

A Little Background Story

Oh boy I had a funny educational background, but I'm actually not ashamed to talk about it. I'm one of those kids you would say didn't know what he wanted to become until his early 20's. Yeah not everyone sees the light quickly, and I'm part of the late bloomers squad. I majored in science back in high school because I had a desire to become a petroleum engineer. I heard they made a lot of money. I mean why wouldn't they, energy is what powers our world today.

But in the second semester of my second year, I started developing a real love for psychology. Not for the money, I just loved the idea of understanding the human mind and why they behave and make the decisions they make at every given scenario. That didn't change, I just didn't think I could turn it into a career or a profession. I was ok with it being a fun hobby. Two years after high school, before I went to college, I found what comes easy with me and could make money: the retail industry. I think I have already yada yada about that in a blog 4 days ago so I wouldn't want to go there. Long story short I chose to do accounting in college to simply understand how a business is financially managed.

What's with the Background Story?

Well, it's to introduce myself to this lovely community of science gurus and geeks. I know highly educated people might one day read my blog, so I just want them to know where I'm coming from, and that my understanding is not at the professional level. This means everything I will write here is for fun, opinions and current research to back my statements and claims.

Sorry about the long paragraphs of off topic, let's get down to today's discussion.

I chose to talk about Hiccups because, it's one of the first things I was able to cure on my own without having to go to the hospital or a pharmacy shop. It's also something I bet anyone with brains enough to read this blog has experienced at least once in their lifetime. There are so many reasons according to science and myths as to why it happens. Just try asking any AI model you're familiar with and it would tell you everything more than I can.

I would love to share my experience, which I believe is more relevant than me copy pasting points that a chatbot can easily spill out for you. Chill! I will do a copy paste for you at the end of the blog so you don't have to.

I remember as a kid, I used to suffer from it quite regularly. At times it could last for 2 to 3 weeks, and my life would be very miserable. I vividly remember sitting at the front passenger seat in a car with my Dad, looking through the window and wondering to myself if there's a way to stop or at least control this. My Dad said, "Oh it's a normal thing and it would go in some days, it happens to all of us". I was like "I don't think I signed up for this kind of life, there has to be a way out".

I pulled up my little Sony Ericsson flip phone. God I miss that phone, I wish I took a picture of it to show it to you. Yeah right, take a picture with what? Hahaha. Now imagine trying to search on Google on how to cure hiccups with the ancient phone keypad. I felt like I was punching some secret code to release a missile. Anyways, I did a little research, read a couple of websites and came to the understanding of why we get hiccups.

Here is what ChatGPT said:

The Science Behind Hiccups

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs, playing a vital role in breathing. When we breathe in, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, allowing the lungs to expand and fill with air. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, helping push air out of the lungs.

A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm suddenly contracts involuntarily while the vocal cords snap shut. This reaction creates the distinctive "hic" sound. The whole process is controlled by a reflex arc that involves the brainstem, the phrenic nerves, and the vagus nerve.

This reflex is still not completely understood by scientists, but it is believed to have connections to both respiratory and digestive systems.

Basically, there is a rhythm and way with which your diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe) contracts and relaxes. A hiccup occurs when it misses that rhythm. That miss beat is what triggers the "hic" sound.

What are some of the causes

Well again according to ChatGPT:

Common Causes of Hiccups

Many factors can trigger hiccups, often by irritating the nerves that control the diaphragm. Some common causes include:

1. Eating or Drinking Habits
   Eating too quickly
   Overeating
   Drinking carbonated beverages
   Consuming alcohol
   Swallowing air while chewing gum or sucking candy
   Eating spicy or hot foods

1. Sudden Temperature Changes
   Drinking a hot beverage followed by a cold one (or vice versa)
   Eating very hot or very cold food
   Sudden changes in environmental temperature

1. Emotional Triggers
   Stress
   Excitement
   Anxiety
   Laughter

1. Medical Causes
   While most hiccups are harmless, prolonged or chronic hiccups (lasting over 48 hours) may signal an underlying health condition, such as:
   Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
   Stroke or brain injury
   Pneumonia
   Tumors pressing on the diaphragm
   Nervous system disorders
   Certain medications like steroids or sedatives

I figured mine was due to drinking carbonated drinks. I used to "bottle down"(not standard English) on a lot of drinks (non alcoholic) when I was younger. I have cut down drastically now, once in a while when I decide to throw caution to the wind and visit old habits, old repercussions kick in too.

What was my way out.

This might not work for everyone, but I can attest to the fact that it's worked for me, my siblings and anyone I have encountered who had that issue. If this method does not work for you, then I highly recommend you see a doctor cause yours might be a critical case. Yeah there are instances where it's critical.

The trick is to consider why it happens. The diaphragm has missed a pattern, so therefore restoring that rhythmic pattern should solve the problem instantly.

Hit the restart button.

To restart a PC you shut it down and power it back up. The same applies to the diaphragm. If you stop breathing for a while, you have in a way shut it down from working. You then breathe in or out again and now determine the pace and correct pattern it should move.

Here's what I mean:

1. Be in a calm position, I would recommend you lie on your bed as this helps me get it out in max 20 seconds no capping.

2. Take in a deep breath slowly in your relaxed position.

3. Hold that breath for about 4-7 seconds

4. Exhale all that air very slow (the same pace with which you inhaled) and stay empty for about 4-7 seconds.

5. Repeat 2,3,4 for about 4 times or more if yours was an intense hiccup.

Start breathing normal after in the relaxed position and you will notice the hiccup has suddenly disappeared. Boy did my elder brother thank me when I taught him this trick. It works every single time I get the hics and I bet it's gonna work for you too.

If you're having any hiccup at the moment, try this trick and come and thank me in the comment section. You're welcome in advance. Also if you've been suffering from hiccups regularly, bookmark this blog and visit it when that beast rears its ugly head.

Thanks for taking time to read my blog. Adios Amigos

Online references

Hiccups, Causes & Treatment

Hiccups

Hiccups - Diagnosis and treatment

How to Get Rid of Hiccups: Remedies That Can Actually Help

P.S: If this trick worked for you, buy me a soda online with Hives or HBDs (non-carbonated of course, hahaha).

Please not that the parts referenced in the blog where not my words but a copy from a Chatgpt model, aside that everything in this blog was typed by me. Image used was created by me with canvas, and the rest a gifs from the Inleo frontend Editor.

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