Hiccup
Sources:
Papers On Health
Though often but slight, disappearing in a few minutes by some
simple device, such as holding the breath, when long continued this
becomes most serious. Very often it is an added distress in trouble
which is itself incurable; but while the patient's life cannot be
saved, the hiccup may be relieved. In the common case of infant hiccup,
a lessening of the over-supply of food may be all that is required. One
or two teaspo
nfuls of hot water given to the infant will usually give
immediate relief. For a grown-up person with a slight attack, one or
two teacupfuls of the same will also usually prove a remedy. For
serious cases the treatment is a large BRAN POULTICE (see) placed on
the back, opposite the stomach. Well oil the back before and after the
poultice, and leave it on for an hour. If this fails, after a little,
prepare a blanket as directed under Fomentation. Roll it up until it is
the size of the patient's back, and let him lie down on it. (Read here
article on Heat and Weakness.) Then a small cold towel may be passed
gently over the stomach. This will generally relieve. It may be
repeated if necessary.