Hiccoughs

[maggiebee]

Does anyone know of a "cure" for hiccoughs. Friend has them, not just a normal 15 minute bout, but these have been going on for two weeks. His GP has changed the medication he was on, but they still persist. Willing to try anything as they disrupt his sleep and are doing nothing to help the low mood he is already in due to his illness. Thanks in advance.

[Samuraisan]

I always stop them by holding my nose and drinking a glass of water quickly. But maybe your friend's case is more complicated. Poor thing.

[tandh]

yes, you'll think i'm crazy but place a metal spoon on his check for a couple of minutes. only one side works though, can't remember if it's meant to be the left or right check, so try both. People laugh at me but it really does work. Also, get him to eat slower and sit down, as i only get them if i eat too fast on the go. Hope he feels better soon

[jennyjoan]

If he has had it for two weeks then the "normal" remedies suggested will not help him. Two weeks is far too long.

[grasscarp]

A Chinese girl told me they eat a slice of an orange. However this sounds like something beyond such a simple remedy.

[Old_Geezer]

Doesn't the Guinness Book of Records list folk aho have suffered for years ? I don't think there is a sure cure. Especially if the well known ones have failed. A change of medicine may help. Otherwise it's just hope & pray. Unless the doc feels surgery might help. I'm sure it'll probably go soon.

Or you could try a hypnotist if you wish.

[Old_Geezer]

...who...
sigh

[Buenchico]

Many, many years ago, Radio 4's 'Today' programme reported on a study into the suggested cures for long-term hiccoughs. The only one which was found to have worked (curing some people who'd had the condition for months, or even years) was the simple one of eating a very large spoonful (or two) of sugar.

Here's what the NHS website has to say on the subject:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hiccup/Pages/Treatment.aspx

[maggiebee]

Thanks for all your suggestions - I will pass them on and hope one of them works. My friend is undergoing chemotherapy at the moment and has no appetite but one or two of your suggestions are worth trying.

[Cloverjo]

My go to cure is to drink a pint of water from the opposite side of the glass. He'll need to put a towel on the floor (because it might leak a bit), bend over, take a big gulp of breath and drink from the other side. Never fails for me.