From the Research
Honey may be considered as a potential remedy for alleviating persistent hiccups, although the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. To try this remedy, take one teaspoon of pure honey and swallow it slowly, allowing it to coat your throat. The thick, viscous nature of honey may help soothe irritated nerves in the throat and diaphragm that contribute to hiccups. Honey's natural sugars might also distract the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm's contractions. For best results, use the honey remedy at room temperature and avoid drinking water immediately afterward to maintain the coating effect. You can repeat this every 30 minutes if needed.
Mechanism of Action
Honey works through multiple mechanisms:
- its thickness requires concentrated swallowing that may interrupt the hiccup reflex
- its sweetness stimulates the vagus nerve which can reset the hiccup cycle
- its soothing properties may calm irritated tissues. While generally safe for adults, honey should never be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Clinical Considerations
If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours despite home remedies, consult a healthcare provider. The treatment of hiccups should be directed at the underlying cause whenever possible 2. Persistent or intractable hiccups can be a harbinger of serious medical pathology, and a detailed history and thorough physical examination may provide clues for the etiology of the hiccups 2.
Pharmacologic Interventions
Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of one agent over another for the treatment of intractable and persistent hiccups, and therapy selection should be specific to individual patients, their underlying comorbidities, etiology of hiccups, and take into account the individual properties of the drugs 5. Chlorpromazine is the only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hiccups; however, many other pharmacologic treatments have been proposed for intractable and persistent hiccups 5.
Key Points
- Honey may help alleviate persistent hiccups
- The scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited
- Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism
- If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours, consult a healthcare provider
- The treatment of hiccups should be directed at the underlying cause whenever possible.