Drinking straw device ‘instant’ cure for hiccups say scientists

Sipping water through an L-shaped suction and swallow tool' cured 92% of attacks, according to study

From holding your breath to having a friend shout boo!", there is no shortage of alleged cures for hiccups. Now scientists say they have found a better solution: a drinking straw device.

When you get hiccups - or singultus as they are known in medicine - the diaphragm and intercostal muscles suddenly contract. The subsequent abrupt intake of air causes the opening between the vocal folds - known as the glottis - to shut, resulting in a hic" sound, often to the embarrassment of the afflicted and the amusement of others.