Hiccups for over 24 hours. Chronic Hiccups: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

09.04.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are chronic hiccups. How long do chronic hiccups last. What causes chronic hiccups. How are chronic hiccups treated. Who is at risk for chronic hiccups. What are the health risks of chronic hiccups. When should you see a doctor for hiccups.

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Understanding Chronic Hiccups: More Than Just an Annoyance

Hiccups are a common occurrence that most people experience from time to time. They’re usually harmless and resolve on their own within a few minutes. However, when hiccups persist for an extended period, they can become a serious medical concern. Chronic hiccups, also known as persistent hiccups, are defined as episodes that last longer than 48 hours or recur frequently over an extended period.

Chronic hiccups can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may be indicative of underlying health issues. They can interfere with sleep, eating, and daily activities, leading to exhaustion and weight loss. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for chronic hiccups is crucial for those affected by this condition.

The Science Behind Hiccups: What Causes These Involuntary Spasms?

At their core, hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the large muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdomen. This muscle plays a crucial role in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts suddenly, it’s followed by the rapid closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic “hic” sound.

While occasional hiccups are normal, chronic hiccups can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Tumors or infections affecting the central nervous system
Certain medications
Recent surgery, particularly in the abdominal or chest area
Metabolic disorders
Psychological factors such as stress or excitement

In some cases, the exact cause of chronic hiccups remains unknown, making treatment more challenging.

Identifying Chronic Hiccups: When Should You Be Concerned?

Distinguishing between regular hiccups and chronic hiccups is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Chronic hiccups are defined as those lasting more than 48 hours or recurring frequently over an extended period. If you experience hiccups that persist for more than two days or have multiple episodes that occur more frequently over time, it’s essential to consult a medical professional.

Symptoms of chronic hiccups include:

Persistent “hic” sound
Difficulty sleeping
Interference with eating and drinking
Fatigue and exhaustion
Potential weight loss
Anxiety or distress related to the persistent hiccups

These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

Risk Factors: Who is More Likely to Experience Chronic Hiccups?

While chronic hiccups can affect anyone, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this condition. People who may be at higher risk for chronic hiccups include:

Those who have recently undergone general anesthesia
Individuals with anxiety or other mental health issues
Patients who have had surgery in the abdominal area
People with liver, bowel, stomach, or diaphragm illnesses
Pregnant women
Cancer patients
Individuals who consume alcohol excessively
Those with nervous system disorders

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare providers identify potential causes and develop appropriate treatment plans.

The Impact of Chronic Hiccups on Health and Quality of Life

Chronic hiccups are more than just a nuisance; they can have serious implications for a person’s health and well-being. The persistent nature of chronic hiccups can lead to various complications, including:

Sleep deprivation and fatigue
Difficulty eating and drinking, potentially leading to malnutrition and dehydration
Significant weight loss
Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression
Interference with work and social activities
Potential respiratory complications

Given these potential impacts, it’s crucial for individuals experiencing chronic hiccups to seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can help prevent or minimize these complications and improve overall quality of life.

Diagnosing Chronic Hiccups: The Medical Approach

When a patient presents with chronic hiccups, healthcare providers typically follow a comprehensive diagnostic approach to identify the underlying cause. This process may involve:

A detailed medical history, including the onset and duration of hiccups, associated symptoms, and potential triggers
Physical examination, focusing on the chest, abdomen, and neurological system
Blood tests to check for metabolic imbalances or infections
Imaging studies such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to detect any structural abnormalities
Endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract
Neurological tests if a central nervous system disorder is suspected

The diagnostic process may take time, as the cause of chronic hiccups is not always immediately apparent. Patience and collaboration between the patient and healthcare provider are essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Chronic Hiccups: From Medication to Surgery

Treating chronic hiccups often requires a multifaceted approach, as simple home remedies are usually ineffective for persistent cases. The treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause and may include:

Medications

Various medications may be prescribed to manage chronic hiccups, including:

Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that can help reduce diaphragm contractions
Chlorpromazine: An antipsychotic medication that can also suppress hiccups
Metoclopramide: A medication that improves stomach emptying and may help with hiccups
Gabapentin: An anti-epileptic drug that has shown efficacy in some cases of chronic hiccups

Non-Pharmacological Interventions

In some cases, non-drug treatments may be recommended, such as:

Acupuncture
Hypnosis
Biofeedback
Breathing exercises and techniques

Surgical Interventions

For severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, surgical options may be considered:

Phrenic nerve block: Injecting the phrenic nerve with an anesthetic to stop hiccups
Vagus nerve stimulation: Implanting a device that electrically stimulates the vagus nerve
Diaphragm pacing: Using electrical stimulation to control diaphragm contractions

The choice of treatment will depend on the individual case, the underlying cause (if identified), and the patient’s overall health status. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to find the most effective treatment approach.

Living with Chronic Hiccups: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with chronic hiccups can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. While seeking medical treatment is crucial, there are also strategies that individuals can employ to cope with the condition:

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment
Eating smaller, more frequent meals to minimize digestive discomfort
Avoiding trigger foods or beverages that may exacerbate hiccups
Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
Joining support groups or online communities for individuals with chronic hiccups
Keeping a hiccup diary to track patterns and potential triggers
Communicating openly with family, friends, and colleagues about the condition

It’s important to remember that chronic hiccups are a medical condition and not a personal failing. Seeking support from loved ones and healthcare providers can make a significant difference in managing the physical and emotional challenges associated with this condition.

Research and Future Directions in Chronic Hiccup Treatment

As our understanding of chronic hiccups continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for treatment and management. Some promising areas of research include:

Novel pharmaceutical approaches targeting specific neurotransmitters involved in hiccup generation
Advanced neuroimaging techniques to better understand the brain circuits involved in chronic hiccups
Exploration of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation
Investigation of the potential role of the gut microbiome in chronic hiccups
Development of more targeted surgical interventions with reduced side effects

While these research directions offer hope for improved treatments in the future, it’s important for individuals currently experiencing chronic hiccups to work closely with their healthcare providers to find the best available treatment options.

Chronic hiccups may seem like a trivial issue to those who have never experienced them, but for those affected, they can be a significant source of distress and discomfort. By raising awareness about this condition, we can promote earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment, and greater support for those living with chronic hiccups. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent hiccups, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. With proper care and management, it’s possible to find relief and improve quality of life, even in the face of this challenging condition.

Chronic Hiccups: Causes, Treatments, and More

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Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. O. — By Diana Wells — Updated on May 22, 2023

Hiccups are caused by spasms in your diaphragm, the large muscle just below your lungs. Some people have chronic hiccups that last for days, weeks, or years.

Hiccups happen when your diaphragm contracts involuntarily, which is also known as a spasm.

The diaphragm is a muscle that helps you breathe. It’s located between your chest and your abdomen.

After the involuntary contraction, your vocal cords will rapidly shut. This is what causes the sound that comes with hiccups.

For most people, hiccups usually last a few minutes and are not a medical concern. However, if your hiccups last longer than 2 days, they’re considered chronic. They’re also referred to as persistent if they last over 2 days, but end within 1 month.

If you have multiple recurring episodes of hiccups over prolonged periods of time, this is also considered chronic hiccups.

Chronic hiccups can last for years in some people and are usually a sign of a medical issue. They can also cause health issues themselves.

You may experience exhaustion when they keep you awake most nights. Chronic hiccups can also lead to severe weight loss because they can affect your appetite or desire to eat.

Chronic hiccups are very rare, but people who may have a higher risk of getting chronic hiccups include those who:

have recently undergone general anesthesia
experience anxiety or other mental health issues
have had surgery in the area of the abdomen
have illnesses of the liver, bowel, stomach, or diaphragm
are pregnant
have cancer
drink alcohol excessively
have a nervous system disorder

Treating chronic or persistent hiccups will usually require more than just drinking a glass of water.

Since chronic hiccups cause health issues and can also be a sign of a larger health concern, the majority of treatments require the help of a medical professional.

You usually can’t treat the issue yourself or resolve the problem at home. Treatments depend on the underlying cause and may include:

treating the underlying health condition that’s causing the hiccups
taking medications prescribed by a doctor, such as baclofen, chlorpromazine, valproic acid, or metoclopramide
having surgery, such as implanting a device that electrically stimulates the vagus nerve
injecting the phrenic nerve with anesthetic
acupuncture

There are many things believed to cause hiccups, but the cause of chronic hiccups isn’t always known. The cause may also take an extended period of time to discover.

The following are just some of the possible causes:

recent abdominal surgery
general anesthesia
diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, kidneys, or liver
cancer tumors
brain or spinal cord lesions
brainstem seizures
pneumonia
irritation of the nerves that control breathing

Related conditions

Conditions that are related to chronic hiccups may include any medical or health issue that involves the autonomic nervous system. This is the system that controls your body’s unconscious actions, like breathing, heartbeat, and digestive tract functions.

While one-time or occasional hiccups are common and resolve quickly, chronic hiccups are very rare and more difficult to treat.

It’s important that you see a medical professional if you have hiccups that last more than 2 days or you’ve had multiple hiccup episodes that are occurring more frequently over time, as they could be a symptom of a serious medical condition.

Even if the cause is not found, chronic hiccups alone can affect your quality of life as well as your health if they’re not treated.

You can connect with a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

Read this article in Spanish.

Last medically reviewed on November 6, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

6.01 Singultus (hiccups). (n.d.).
ncemi.org/cse/cse0601.htm
Chronic hiccups. (2014).
rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6657/chronic-hiccups
Greenberger NJ. (2018). Hiccups.
merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/hiccups
Hiccups, chronic. (2005).
rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hiccups-chronic/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Hiccups.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/basics/definition/con-20031471

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 22, 2023

Written By

Diana Wells

Edited By

Stella Miranda

Nov 6, 2018

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy Sampson, D. O.

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Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By Diana Wells — Updated on May 22, 2023

Persistent/Long-Lasting Hiccups

Download PDF Copy

By Sally Robertson, B.Sc.Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.

Hiccups occur as a result of the diaphragm suddenly involuntarily contracting. The diaphragm is the layer of muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities and plays an important role in controlling breathing. Tightening of the diaphragm causes the vocal cords to suddenly close, which results in the characteristic “hic” sound.

Illustration of diaphragm (yellow) in the body.

Hiccups are very common and affect almost everybody at some point in their lives. Often they occur in the absence of any trigger, although short episodes of hiccups have been linked to a number of causes such as drinking alcohol, eating large quantities of food, drinking fizzy or hot drinks, smoking, eating too quickly and becoming excited, stressed, or scared.

Chronic hiccups

Hiccups generally pass after a few minutes/hours or occasionally, a day or two. In some cases, however, they can last for an extended period of time. Episodes that do not pass within two days and last for up to one month are referred to as “persistent” and in the rare case of them lasting for even longer than one month, they are referred to as “intractable.” The longest episode of hiccups that has even been recorded lasted for 60 years.

Hiccups that recur over long periods are also referred to as “chronic” and depending on how long chronic hiccups last, people may suffer from disrupted sleeping or eating patterns. This can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and weight loss.

Causes

Nerve damage or irritation

The underlying cause of chronic hiccups is often unknown and the condition is not thought to be inherited, with most cases occurring sporadically in individuals who have no family history of the problem. The most common cause of chronic hiccups is nerve damage or irritation. More specifically, the vagus nerve or phrenic nerve may be affected, which are nerves that serve the diaphragm. Examples of problems that may affect these nerves include the following:

Laryngitis

Gastroesophageal reflux

Growth in the neck such as a tumor or cyst

A hair touching the eardrum

Disorders of the central nervous system

A health problem that affects the central nervous system can interfere with the body’s ability to control the hiccup reflex. Some examples of these problems include the following:

Multiple sclerosis

Stroke

Encephalitis

Meningitis

Tumor

Traumatic brain injury

Metabolic disorders

Some examples of metabolic disorders that are associated with the development of chronic hiccups include:

Diabetes

Kidney disorders

Liver abnormality

Electrolyte imbalance

Fever

Uremia

Hyponatremia

Hypocalcemia

Drugs

The use of certain drugs is also associated with chronic hiccups and examples include:

Anesthesia

Short-acting barbiturates

Steroids

Tranquilizers

Other health problems

Further examples of health problems that are associated with chronic hiccups include:

Those that cause irritation to the diaphragm such as pneumonia, hiatal hernia, pleurisy, and pericarditis

Gastrointestinal diseases

Psychological conditions such as hysteria or shock

Diagnosis and treatment

A doctor can usually diagnose a case of chronic hiccups based on symptoms, but a full physical examination may be required, along with a range of blood tests and imaging studies to establish the exact underlying cause. Treatment then depends on the cause and may include the following:

Muscle relaxants

Anticonvulsants

Sedatives

Analgesics

Stimulants

In rare cases, medication may not be sufficient to resolve chronic hiccups and surgery may be performed to block the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm.

Sources

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hiccup/Pages/Treatment.aspx

www.mayoclinic.org/…/con-20031471

www.mayoclinic.org/…/con-20031471

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hiccups-chronic/

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6657/chronic-hiccups

Gikavka: causes, symptoms and preparations for healing

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Gykavka

Vydpovidno to the International classification ailment, gykavka – tse anomalous sickness. Vaughn blames through the judiciary shortness of the intercostal membranes and diaphragms, which subjugates the nerve structures of the brain. As a result, there is a short inhalation, a sharp breath again teasing the nerves and closing the vocal gap – the process itself is accompanied by a specific sound, which we call a whoop.

Species of the whooping

Mentally divide the whooping into three types:

Short-hour (episodic) – sound three times no more than 15 whilins.
Stay – foretell the day by stretching for a few days or tyzhnіv past, you can save yourself by stretching for a long time and navit deb.
Pathological – whooping, which trembles for months and inspires with fates.

The drive to get to the doctor is a stalk and a pathological whoop. Most of the fluctuations stink about the presence of a traumatic poshkodzhennya or illness, as if calling out a sharp shortness of the diaphragm.

Stikka and pathological hiccups fallowly depending on the localization of the pathological fossa are subdivided into: nkovo-intestinal ailments;

central – due to the result of stimulation to the center of the whooping after damage to the spinal cord and / or the brain;

toxic – develops in the aftermath of metabolic disorders, infusion of certain medicinal properties, smoking, alcohol abuse.

Causes of whooping

Episodic whooping is a natural reaction to the teasing of the bulging nerve – this is how the excess of the tube bulges every once in a while. And the purchase of a cold wind can be maddened by the survival of dry food (baking, bagels, crackers), sprago, quick hedgehog, overdating, or by hunger, overcooling, severe stress. Causes of whooping in children and adults are similar.

In newborns, the hiccup is a wider phenomenon, the shards in the first months of life are the mechanisms that regulate the short-lived function of the diaphragm, supra-lingually awake. This is explained by the fact that they are not able to adapt to the necessary world. In most cases, in the little ones, the hiccup vinikaє through the supra-mundane stretching of the walls of the sluice to show that they spent the first hour of the year, or even when they were transferred. Also, the whooping can winknut through overcooling, or a strong perelyak.

Like a baby’s whooping, it’s on its own and it’s not good, it’s not good to show off. However, if you blame it regularly, or save three hours, you need to consult a doctor to rule out the possibility of a serious illness.

Possible causes of permanent hiccups of the central gait:

encephalitis;
meningitis;
circulatory disorders;
newborn or trauma to the brain;
cerebral artery aneurysm;
Russian sclerosis and in.

Peripheral hiccup – part of the “companion” of patients from:

diaphragmatic hernia;
with puffs for a stravokhod or a hose;
ailments and newly formed pidshlunkovoy vines;
virazkovy ailment of the slough and twelve-fingered intestines;
zhovchnokam’yanoy twig;
gastroesophageal reflux;
disruption of the rhythm of the heart, yakі vymagayut setting electrocardiostimulator;
myocardial infarction;
ailments of dichal organs (especially laryngitis, pneumonia and middle dorsal swellings) and in.

Trivala toxic hawk in an adult human is affected by metabolic disorders. These can include diabetic neuropathy on aphids, cerebrodiabetes, hypokalemia (prolapsed diarrhea, vomiting), hypocalcemia, uremia, etc.

The cause of hiccups in older people can be the use of drugs, for example, morphine, azithromycin, tranquilizers, barbiturates, chemotherapeutic drugs.

Diagnosis of hicks

The presence of hicks is essential for a definite diagnosis of the whole organism, in order to establish the cause of the pathological state. We prescribe consultations of a cardiologist and a neurologist to exclude myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke. For obstezhennya, it is necessary to conduct an electrocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging.

Depending on the clinical picture, the following investigations may be needed: radiography, computed tomography, gastroscopy, spirography, electroencephalography, bronchoscopy, esophagomanometry, as well as calcium blood count, for creatinine, functional state of the liver and other.

Geek at the newlyweds: what’s the job?

Even though it is cold in the house, it is necessary to wrap up the little one and take it in your arms to warm it with its warmth.

Like a whoosh started on the first hour of the day, or right after the birthday, next to vilify the lack of a vertical position, stroking on the back. Tse to speed up the exit too much again from the hose.

Like a whoosh at a child’s trival, it is necessary to turn to the doctor.

Treatment of the hoot in mature adults

Trivala of the boar in any case does not become ill, as a symptom of a serious pathology, therefore the scheme of treatment is stale only in the case of the main problem of health.

Tablets in the form of a hive of the central movement, which should be used exclusively for symptomatic therapy (when a person has taken hicati): haloperidol, chlorpromazine, sodium valproate, gabapentin, pregabalin, nifedipine, methylphenidate. The stench teases the diaphragm and normalizes the work of the central nervous system.

In case of suputnіh slutkovo-intestinal disorders, it may be recommended to treat hives in mature adults, which normalizes etching, for example, domperidone, metoclopramide, simethicone, or a drug from the group of proton pump inhibitors.

Complimentary

Trivala hawk suddenly worsens the quality of a person’s life, causing insomnia, stress, nervous exhaustion. Porushuєtsya vmoktuvannya їzhi in the slunkovo-intestinal tract, scho lead to waste vaga. Іsnuє risky development of esophagitis, dehydration.

Prevention

There are only two ways that you can protect yourself from the attacks of the whoop:

ї, hot or cold;
unique overcooling.

List of references

Shtulman D.R., Levin O.S. Neurology: practical doctor’s guide. – 6 types. – 2008. – 1024 p.
WHO.

More information about the boom

How to fix the boom?

What to do with episodic whooping? To wake up, you can drink a glass of cold water, drink sour (a slice of lemon, for example) or licorice (a spoonful of honey), and do dichal gymnastics.

Which drug helps against hicks?

It’s a pity, we still don’t know how to look for a hawk, yak would help by stretching the shortest possible period of an hour. You can take over-the-counter zasib, which will normalize the poisoning.

Which body is responsible for the hack?

At the mechanism of the boom, the back of the diaphragm and the intercostal membranes.

How much money can you get?

Episodic – up to 15 hvilin (one and a half years old), stay – sprat of years or days.

Respect! Symptom card is recognized as exclusive for lighting purposes. Do not engage in self-deception; with good food, as if you are suffering from illness and ways of yogo rejoicing, go to the doctor. Our site does not bear any responsibility for the references, caused by the wrong placement on the new information.

Is it possible to die from hiccups

May 30, 2023
16:30

Photo: freepik. com

Hiccups are usually harmless, but a very unpleasant and annoying symptom. Everyone is used to the fact that it passes somehow by itself and does not attach due importance to it. Can the well-known “hic” be deadly?

Just a reflex

Hiccups are the result of contraction of the diaphragm and chest muscles. So there is a sharp closure of the glottis, accompanied by a characteristic sound and a shudder of the body.

In simple words, hiccups are a kind of unconditioned reflex, whether it’s sneezing or coughing. With the help of such a mechanism, the body can get rid of excess air that has ended up inside the stomach. The attack will stop as soon as all the air is out.

Why it occurs

Physiological hiccups in an adult healthy person can be associated with a long stay in an uncomfortable position, as well as irritation of the esophagus and stomach. In addition, the cause of hiccups may be the habit of quickly eating food or a tendency to overeat. This causes excess air to enter the stomach. It can also be associated with stress and laughter.

Also, occasional hiccups can be caused by drinking alcohol, which causes intoxication of the body, negatively affects the nervous system and irritates the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

How dangerous is hiccups

Hiccups by themselves do not cause serious concern and are not life threatening. However, in some cases, it can indicate serious violations in the body. You need to understand in what cases you need to see a doctor, and not self-medicate.

First, if the hiccups persist for more than an hour. Secondly, if the attacks bother you several times a day or several times a week. And, thirdly, if, in addition to hiccups, you feel chest pain, suffer from heartburn, or feel swallowing problems.

There are two forms of hiccups: physiological (normal), we talked about it above. And there is also pathological, it can be the cause of any disease and can last for a long time – sometimes it does not end for several days. She happens:

1. Central origin – occurs in diseases of the brain and spinal cord, central nervous system and mental disorders.

2. Peripheral origin – when it affects the phrenic nerve, coming from the cervical spinal cord. In such hiccups, there is one that is explained by irritation of the vagus nerve due to diseases of the stomach, esophagus and heart.

3. Reflected – refers to a type of peripheral hiccups. It occurs in diseases of organs that are far from the service area of the phrenic nerve. It includes hiccups due to bowel disease.

4. Toxic – it is associated with poisoning of the body with harmful substances. Hiccups can occur as a result of alcohol and drug intoxication, infectious diseases, diabetes mellitus, and severe renal failure.

Do not immediately panic if you are haunted by prolonged hiccups. Usually, all serious diseases have much more pronounced signs that you will notice earlier than pathological diaphragmatic contraction.

How to help yourself

Physiological hiccups that are not associated with serious illness usually resolve on their own within 10-20 minutes. And although it does not threaten life, it delivers a lot of unpleasant sensations. Making a loud “hic” sound is sometimes completely out of place, so people come up with various ways to get rid of an attack as soon as possible.

Here are some life hacks. First, you can press down on the base of the tongue with your finger, as if you were inducing vomiting. Contraction of the esophagus after irritation will block diaphragmatic spasms.

For some, it helps to take a deep breath, hold it for a while, and exhale into a sealed bag. Then inhale the air from the bag. Thus, carbon dioxide enters the bloodstream, which will make the respiratory system work properly.

One of the most popular and proven ways is to drink cold water in small sips.