What are some good treatments for severe hiccups?

Patients can treat severe hiccups by holding their breath, drinking water quickly, gargling water or pulling on their tongues, according to WebMD. Some patients have found that using smelling salts or allowing a teaspoon of sugar to dissolve on their tongues can also help to cure hiccups.

Patients who experience severe hiccups for more than three hours and have difficulty sleeping, eating or breathing due to the hiccups should consult with a medical professional, according to WebMD. Some physicians prescribe medications such as chlorpromazine, baclofen or metoclopramide for patients who experience severe hiccups for more than two days, explains Mayo Clinic.