Hiccups are caused when the chest cavity gets suddenly contracted due to the irritation in the muscular portion that divides the chest and the abdomen. When the diaphragm is sent back to hiccup center then the problem begins. Within a second the windpipe closes off and starts producing the characteristic or abnormal sound of hiccups. One of the reasons for hiccups is heavy medicines.

When the person gets affected by this situation it gets really difficult to treat the problem. If the body needs water, hiccups are caused. It also causes restlessness, chest problem, heartburn, irritation of the eardrum, infection, drinking excessive alcohol, hot and spicy food, smoking and eating food in great hurry. Eating chewing gums daily is also another very important cause of hiccups.

Best treatments for hiccups are by inhaling the air into the paper bag for a few minutes and by also sipping a glass of water slowly without pausing to take a breath.

Easiest way to get rid of hiccups is to take a teaspoon of dry sugar and place it on the back of the tongue and then swallow it slowly. You can also pull the tongue with your fingers. Cardamom is also useful, and the powder of cardamom seed with honey. This treatment is found to be really effective.