Prevention of Hiccups

You cannot always prevent hiccups, but a few habits lower the chance of bouts.

Eating and drinking

• Eat slowly and chew well.
• Choose smaller meals instead of very large ones.
• Limit fizzy drinks and alcohol.
• Avoid very hot food followed immediately by very cold drinks.
• Do not gulp air with chewing gum or sweets.

Daily habits

• Manage stress and avoid sudden excitement during meals.
• Sit upright while eating, and avoid lying down right after a meal.
• Keep a healthy weight, which reduces reflux.
• Avoid smoking.

If you have reflux

Treat it properly. Raise the head of the bed, avoid late meals and follow your doctor's advice.

If hiccups come with a medicine

Do not stop the medicine on your own, but tell your doctor if hiccups started after a new one.

For babies

Feed in a calm environment, hold the baby upright, burp during and after feeds and avoid overfeeding. Do not give honey to a baby under 12 months.

After surgery

Tell your care team if hiccups continue, so that they can check for a cause.