If hiccups are the repetitive contractions of the diaphragm, then why does scaring people stop them?

Question

And what IS the vest way to stop them?

Answer 1

Because when your scared you gasp for air making the hiccups stop

Answer 2

It's because you take such a deep breath in when you are scared which then helps relax your diaphram....

Answer 3

this sounds weird but it has never not worked

get a cup of water and put a paper towel over it. drink the water through the paper towel until its all gone.

its amazing. haha

Answer 4

It dosen't. Thats just a myth.

Answer 5

A gasp or quick intake of air. It doesn't always work though.

Answer 6

I always thought scaring people was "urban legend."  Eating a sugar packet will stop them every time!

Answer 7

Not sure but when you get scared you usually take in a fast deep breath so maybe that stops the contraction (but have never seen this work and so most likely a myth someone made up to make people look stupid.) The thing that works best for me is eating a spoon full of peanut butter. Sounds weird but works every time for me. Also holding your breath for about 30 seconds.

Answer 8

when one is suddenly scared or surprised, they usually take in an sharp and quick breath. this is caused by a sudden relaxation of the diaphragm (when the diaphragm contracts, u exhale. when the diaphragm relaxes, it opens up the lungs causing them to fill up with air). so a sudden relaxation of the diaphragm "shocks" the muscle back into its normal state, similar to using cold water to make you feel more awake.

i personally find that the best way to stop hiccups is to take in a very long, deep, and relaxed breath and hold it until you start to feel slightly light headed. repeat this about 3 times, making sure to take very deep and relaxed breaths. this helps because holding your breath keeps the diaphragm in a relaxed position, stopping the unnecessary contractions.

hope this helps.