What is Hiccups?
Hiccups are a health condition that occurs when there is a shortage of blood supply to the diaphragm- the muscle that differentiates your chest from your abdomen and plays an essential part in breathing. Consequently, the diaphragm suffers the sporadic recurring activities that we call hiccups. It can have many causes such as large meal intake, alcohol consumption, sudden excitement, etc.
What are the Symptoms of Hiccups?
Hiccups itself is a symptom. This might occasionally be accompanied by a minor stiffening feeling in your chest, abdomen, or throat.
What are the Causes of Hiccups?
- There are many causes of hiccups. Generally drinking carbonated beverages can cause hiccups. Excessive consumption of alcohol may trigger this condition. In case you are eating too much food, you may experience hiccups right after that. In some cases, emotional stress can cause hiccups. There are instances when people experience hiccups for a sudden change in the temperature.
- Apart from these common causes, some causes are related to nervous system disorders such as stroke, meningitis, numerous cases of sclerosis, brain injury, etc.
- Nerve damage or irritation can trigger hiccups and additionally some metabolic disorders such as diabetes, kidney disease, steroids, etc.
When to see a Doctor?
Hiccups are only considered to be serious if it lasts more than 48 hours or if you struggle to eat because of the hiccups. In that case, it may be more serious as severe hiccups may indicate having heart congestive failures, renal failure, or even cerebral attacks. So make an appointment with your doctor if your hiccups are lasting for more than 48 hours.
Lifestyle Prevention of Hiccups
- Hiccups that occur due to common causes can be prevented by following some preventive measures.
- Trying to eat small portions per serving is important as eating too much at a time may cause hiccups.
- Eating slower is a very healthy practice not only to avoid hiccups but to have a better digestion.
- Try to avoid spicy food and carbonated drinks as much as possible
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Deep breathing and meditation is a very important relaxation technique and that will surely help you prevent hiccups.
Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Hiccups
Ayurvedic home remedies can help in treating hiccups. Here are some remedies which you can follow:
- Honey: Honey relieves the vagus nerve, breaking the permanence of the hiccup impulse, thus making it stop.Take honey with castor oil for best results.
- Cardamom Powder: Add cardamom powder with water will help you stop hiccups. Boil 1 ½ cup of water and add one teaspoon of cardamom powder to it. Once it cools down, strain it and drink the liquid for immediate relief.
- Mustard seeds and Pure ghee: Mustard seeds are known to clear out any particles that may be stuck in your food pie and causing you hiccups. So mix ½ teaspoon of mustard seeds with ½ teaspoon of pure ghee and slowly consume the mixture.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Honey | Castor Oil | Cardamom | Ginger | Mustard Seeds with pure ghee | Asafoetida | Inhale smoke of Ghee, Cinnamon and Turmeric
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
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