I’ve written beforehand about how Paul Ingraham helped treatment my patello-femoral ache syndrome.

Extra not too long ago, Paul seemed into hiccup cures as a result of his father had an intractable case. What lastly labored for dad? Respiratory right into a plastic bag.

Boosting blood CO2 (hypercapnia) by inhaling a PLASTIC bag. This one is sort of believable and is simple and protected to attempt. Hypercapnia positively impacts some sorts of hiccups. The story (from a wise supply, an excellent “buddy of PainSci”): “There’s a fair simpler manner out of hiccups — at zero value. Discovered it from my uncle, who studied medication in Brazil within the 50s. Anesthetized sufferers with hiccups have been in ache, in order that they wanted to eliminate it ASAP. Technique: breathe in a PLASTIC bag, sufficiently small so that you can get hypercapnia (get increased blood ranges of CO2). You need to maintain the bag REALLY tight round your nostril and mouth to forestall air from escaping, and in case you have hassle with dizziness, it is advisable to take a seat down for it. As quickly because it will get uncomfortable, largely after 4-6 breaths, you’ll be able to cease, the hiccup will probably be gone. I do not know what this does to the phrenic nerve, however it works 100%.”

Security Notes: Clearly there could possibly be some hazard with this methodology. If he’d had low O2 or was struggling for breath, we seemingly would not have dared. (Alternatively, if he’d been in that state, he would’ve been on the hospital.) However he was supervised, with no chance of getting caught, and a matter of just a few breaths. Maybe there was nonetheless some danger… however I believe not treating these hiccups was additionally a danger.

I’ve by no means tried that methodology for my hiccups. My private favourite dwelling treatment is “ingesting from the far facet of the glass.” AKA, ingesting water the wrong way up. Watch this video of an excellent ol’ boy demonstrating the approach though I’d purpose for ingesting a minimum of 6-8 fl oz of water earlier than quitting. Do not ask me the way it works; it could have one thing to do with the taste bud or diaphragm.

Steve Parker, M.D