## What to Do If You Get Hiccups While Scuba Diving
Hiccups are a common annoyance that can strike at any time, even while you’re scuba diving. While they’re usually harmless, hiccups can be uncomfortable and distracting, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a dive.
If you get hiccups while scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to try to stop them:
### Hold your breath
One of the most effective ways to stop hiccups is to hold your breath for a few seconds. This will help to reset your diaphragm and stop the spasms that are causing the hiccups.
### Drink some water
Drinking a glass of water can also help to stop hiccups. The cold water will help to stimulate your vagus nerve, which is responsible for controlling the diaphragm.
### Eat a sugar cube
Eating a sugar cube can also help to stop hiccups. The sugar will help to stimulate the vagus nerve and stop the spasms.
### Gargle with salt water
Gargling with salt water can also help to stop hiccups. The salt water will help to irritate the back of your throat and stop the spasms.
### Take a deep breath and exhale slowly
Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly can also help to stop hiccups. This will help to relax your diaphragm and stop the spasms.
### If these methods don’t work, you can try to:
### Distract yourself
Try to distract yourself from the hiccups by focusing on something else, such as your dive buddy or the underwater scenery.
### Relax
Try to relax and let the hiccups pass. The more you focus on them, the worse they will become.
### If your hiccups are severe or persistent, you should see a doctor. Hiccups can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a heart or lung problem.
## Tips for Preventing Hiccups While Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to help prevent hiccups while scuba diving:
### Avoid eating large meals before diving
Eating a large meal before diving can increase your risk of getting hiccups.
### Avoid drinking alcohol before diving
Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of getting hiccups.
### Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated will help to keep your diaphragm relaxed and reduce your risk of getting hiccups.
### Warm up before diving
Warming up your body before diving will help to prevent your diaphragm from cramping and causing hiccups.
### If you do get hiccups while scuba diving, don’t panic. Hiccups are usually harmless and will eventually go away on their own. However, if your hiccups are severe or persistent, you should see a doctor.