How to Get Rid of Hiccups Fast (10 Methods That Actually Work)

Hiccups are so annoying, and they always seem to happen at the worst possible time. I get hiccups all the time, so I've tried every method to get rid of them. Some of them work every single time, while others are just old wives' tales. In this guide, I'll show you the best methods to get rid of hiccups fast.

Method 1: Hold Your Breath (Most Reliable)

This is the method that works for me 90% of the time.

Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can, about 10-15 seconds.
Breathe out slowly.
Repeat 2-3 times if needed.

Holding your breath increases the level of carbon dioxide in your blood, which stops the hiccups.

Method 2: Drink Water From the Opposite Side of the Glass

This method works really well, and it's fun to do.

Fill a glass with water.
Bend over at the waist, and put your mouth on the opposite side of the glass from you.
Tilt the glass forward and drink the water slowly.

Method 3: Swallow a Teaspoon of Sugar

This is a classic method that works for a lot of people.

Put a teaspoon of granulated sugar on your tongue.
Swallow it dry, without water.

More Methods That Work

Pull your tongue gently
Breathe into a paper bag
Suck on a lemon wedge
Swallow a teaspoon of peanut butter
Gargle with ice water
Have someone scare you (this works sometimes!)

When to See a Doctor

If your hiccups last more than 48 hours, you should see a doctor. Chronic hiccups can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Related Life Hacks

Next time you get hiccups, try one of these methods! They work fast, and they're all easy to do. For more easy life hacks, check out our Kitchen & Life Hacks section or return to home.