Hiccup - Treating hiccups

Most cases of hiccups do not require medical treatment and will usually stop after a short period of time.

Self-care

However, there are steps you can try which may help to stop your hiccups. These include:

• slowly sipping ice-cold water
• holding your breath for a short period
• gently placing pressure on your nose while swallowing
• gently placing pressure on the diaphragm
• gargling with water
• biting on a lemon
• swallowing granulated sugar
• tasting vinegar
• breathing into a paper bag (never place a bag over your head)
• holding your breath for short periods
• pulling your knees up to your chest
• leaning forward to compress your chest

Treating underlying conditions

If an underlying health condition is causing your hiccups, treating it will help to resolve the problem. If your hiccups are persistent, or last longer than 48 hours (intractable), your GP will investigate whether an underlying condition may be causing them.

Read more information about how hiccups are diagnosed.

Some conditions that cause persistent and intractable hiccups may need to be assessed and treated by a specialist. If this is the case, your GP will refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional, who will carry out further investigations and recommend appropriate treatment.

Medication

If your hiccups last for 48 hours or more, and your GP feels it appropriate, you may be prescribed medication. If your child has persistent or intractable hiccups, they will usually have to visit a specialist before being prescribed medication.

Medication for hiccups is often only used when other forms of treatment have failed or if no underlying cause can be found.

Some medicines that you may be prescribed for the treatment of long-term hiccups include:

• chlorpromazine 
• haloperidol
• baclofen
• metoclopramide
• gabapentin

Your GP will usually prescribe a two-week course of medicine for you and they may gradually increase the dosage until your hiccups are brought under control. The length of time you will need to take the medicine will depend on your individual circumstances, including:

• your age
• your general health
• the severity of your hiccups

All medicines can cause side effects. Therefore, before taking any, seek advice from your GP or pharmacist about potential side effects you may experience.