hiccups

I was just reading an old column on the subject of hiccups, and was astonished - as I usually am when reading anything about this subject - that my own favorite cure was not mentioned. I know I can’t be the only one in history whose come up with such an obvious and effective treatment (I have never, since figuring this out, had any bout of hiccups last longer than about a minute.)

My technique involves controlled breathing - deep, slow, rhythmic breaths, continued as long as necessary. It works better than breath holding because you don’t have to stop too soon to avoid passing out, and because it forces the body parts involved in the hiccuping process to do something else instead, rather than just interrupting them.

A link to Cecil’s column is appreciated. Providing one can be as simple as pasting the URL into your post making sure to leave a space on either side of it. http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_118.html

That’s the first thing that most folks try. The thing is, most folks don’t have enough muscular control (at least not in their diaphragm) to pull it off.

aahhhHHHHH
HHHAaaaa
aahhhHHHHH
HHHAaaaa
aahh-HIC-