How to Get Rid of Hiccups
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Various treatments are available for alleviating hiccups, ranging from pharmacological options like Baclofen and Lidocaine to traditional methods such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. The choice of treatment may depend on the underlying cause of the hiccups and the patient’s response to different therapies. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, which produces the characteristic “hic” sound. While they are usually harmless and resolve on their own, persistent hiccups can be bothersome and may require treatment. This article explores various methods to alleviate hiccups based on recent research findings.
Pharmacological Treatments
Baclofen
Baclofen, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue, has shown promise in treating intractable hiccups. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, Baclofen significantly improved hiccup severity both subjectively and by increasing hiccup-free periods. Although the frequency of hiccups was not significantly altered, the mechanical aspects of hiccups were reduced, leading to a perceptual blockage and decreased reflex severity1.
Lidocaine
Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, has been effective in reducing the incidence of hiccups induced by methohexitone during medical procedures. In a study involving 200 patients, those who received lidocaine had a significantly lower incidence of hiccups (6%) compared to the control group (16%). This effect is attributed to lidocaine’s membrane-stabilizing properties, which decrease the excitability of the nervous structures involved in the hiccup reflex5.
Traditional and Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture combined with herbal decoctions has been found to be effective in treating intractable hiccups. In a study with 100 patients, those treated with scalp acupuncture and Hiccup Decoction had a higher total cure rate (54%) and total effective rate (84%) compared to those treated with anisodamine injections (32% cure rate and 66% effective rate). The therapeutic effect of acupuncture was most notable after the second treatment session2.
Another study observed the effects of acupuncture and cupping in patients with hiccups due to cerebrovascular accidents. The treatment group had a significantly higher total effective rate (92.5%) compared to the control group treated with Ritaline (72.5%)3.
Specific Acupuncture Points
Acupuncture at the Tianding (LI 17) point has been identified as a convenient and effective method for treating hiccups. In a clinical observation involving 94 cases, acupuncture at this specific point showed a definite therapeutic effect, particularly for primary excess syndrome of intractable hiccups4.
Combined Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
For patients with deficient cold hiccups, a combination of deep breathing reinforcing and reducing manipulations of acupuncture therapy with Chinese medicine has shown superior results. In a study with 26 patients, the group receiving both acupuncture and Chinese medicine had a significantly better therapeutic effect compared to the group receiving only Chinese medicine6.
Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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