With over one and a half billion people using the internet every day, many are searching for answers to their questions. At SciShow, we’re also on a quest for answers, particularly those related to science, nature, the human body, Earth, and the universe. In collaboration with Google and YouTube, we’re answering ten of the most popular questions searched for on the internet. Today’s question is: How can I get rid of hiccups?
People have various hiccup remedies that they swear by, none of which seem to have much in common. These remedies range from swallowing a teaspoon of sugar, guzzling a glass of water, or simply holding your breath. However, to understand how to get rid of hiccups and why we get them in the first place, it’s essential to understand the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle under your lungs that plays a crucial role in breathing. A hiccup is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm that causes it to contract suddenly. When this happens, you take in a gulp of air really quickly, until your vocal folds, the membranes at the top of your throat, clamp shut. This is what causes the “hic” sound. Most of the time, the spasm stops as quickly as it started, but sometimes, those spasms won’t stop, which means it’s time to get your diaphragm to relax.
To get rid of hiccups, you need to reset your nervous system, or at least the part that controls your diaphragm. One way to do this is by stimulating your vagus nerve, a nerve that runs down your neck from the base of your brain and regulates some of your body’s most important functions, including your heartbeat and breathing.
Some people find success in getting rid of hiccups by swallowing a teaspoon of sugar. The act of gulping down those dry granules can provide just enough confusing stimulus for your vagus nerve to start focusing on your throat, and leave your diaphragm alone.
Another common approach to kicking the hiccups is to increase the level of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream. Your natural breathing rhythms are regulated by your CO2 levels, and if they get too high, your nervous system will signal your diaphragm and lungs to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
This is the science behind most of the hiccup-busting techniques you’ve probably heard of, like holding your breath, breathing into a paper bag, or drinking a tall glass of water. All of these methods stop your intake of oxygen and increase your internal CO2 concentration, signaling your diaphragm to get its act together.
In a recent SciShow survey, 54% of respondents said that holding their breath was their preferred method for relieving hiccups, while drinking water was a close second at 37%.
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Draw a diagram of the diaphragm and label its parts. Include the lungs and the vagus nerve in your diagram. This will help you understand the role of the diaphragm in breathing and hiccups.
Conduct an experiment with a friend or family member. Have them simulate hiccups and try different remedies like swallowing a teaspoon of sugar, drinking a glass of water, or holding their breath. Record the results and discuss why some methods might be more effective than others.
Research more about the nervous system, particularly the part that controls the diaphragm. Write a short report on how the nervous system can be “reset” to stop hiccups.
Research more about the role of carbon dioxide levels in the body. Create a presentation explaining how increasing carbon dioxide levels can help stop hiccups.
Conduct a survey among your classmates about their preferred methods for relieving hiccups. Compare your results with the SciShow survey results and discuss any similarities or differences.
get rid of hiccups – to eliminate hiccups – My grandma taught me a trick to get rid of hiccups: drink a glass of water while holding your breath.
remedies – treatments or solutions for a particular problem – There are many natural remedies for a sore throat, such as gargling saltwater or drinking warm tea with honey.
diaphragm – a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a crucial role in breathing – The diaphragm contracts and relaxes as we breathe, allowing air to enter and exit the lungs.
involuntary spasm – an uncontrollable and sudden contraction of muscles – He experienced an involuntary spasm in his leg that caused him to trip and fall.
vocal folds – thin, flexible bands of tissue in the throat that vibrate to produce sound during speech or singing – Singers need to take care of their vocal folds to prevent strain and maintain a clear voice.
reset your nervous system – to restore the balance and functioning of the nervous system – Practicing deep breathing exercises can help reset your nervous system and alleviate stress.
vagus nerve – the longest cranial nerve that connects the brain to various organs in the body and regulates important bodily functions – The vagus nerve plays a role in regulating heart rate, digestion, and even mood.
swallowing a teaspoon of sugar – consuming a small amount of sugar by swallowing it – Grandma always told me that swallowing a teaspoon of sugar can help stop hiccups.
increase carbon dioxide levels – to raise the amount of carbon dioxide in the body – Breathing into a paper bag can increase carbon dioxide levels, which may help alleviate symptoms of hyperventilation.
holding your breath – refraining from breathing for a certain period of time – The swimmer held her breath underwater for over a minute during the competition.
breathing into a paper bag – inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag to regulate breathing patterns – When experiencing an anxiety attack, some people find relief by breathing into a paper bag.
drinking water – consuming liquid, specifically water – To stay hydrated, it is important to drink water throughout the day, especially during hot weather or physical activity.
