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Health Tip: Hiccups Can Wreak Havoc

(HealthDay News) -- Hiccups can be annoying and even uncomfortable, and they can last for a long time.

Here's information on what causes them and a couple of suggestions on how to stop hiccups from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

  • Abdominal surgery, conditions that affect the nerves surrounding the diaphragm, and damage to the portion of the brain that affects hiccups can all cause them.

  • Eating hot and spicy foods or liquids or inhaling noxious fumes can also cause the hiccups.

To stop hiccups, try breathing into a paper bag or holding your breath.

Or you can try drinking a glass of water or swallowing a teaspoon of sugar to stop hiccups.

Date Last Reviewed: 11/4/2008
Date Last Modified: 11/4/2008