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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.



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