PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.—The person should be taught early to talk slowly, and to do everything to control himself and not get nervous. There are schools for this trouble, and they seem to do good work. They teach the patients how to speak slowly, distinctly and to keep their minds off of themselves.
HICCOUGH.—This is caused by intermittent, sudden contraction of the diaphragm; obstinate hiccough is a very distressing symptom and sometimes it is hard to control.
302 MOTHERS' REMEDIES
Causes.—Inflammatory causes. It is seen in gastritis, peritonitis, hernia, appendicitis, and in severe forms of typhoid fever. Irritative causes. Swallowing hot substances, local disease of the gullet near the diaphragm, and in many cases of stomach trouble and bowel disorder, especially when associated with gas (flatus). Specific causes: Gout, diabetes or chronic Bright's disease. Nervous (Neurotic) causes. Hysteria, epilepsy, shock, or brain tumors.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Hiccough. Vinegar for.—"One teaspoonful vinegar sipped carefully (so it will not strangle the patient) will stop them almost instantly."
2. Hiccough, Sugar and Vinegar Stops.—"A few drops of strong vinegar dropped on a lump of sugar and held in the mouth until dissolved, will stop most cases of hiccoughs."
3. Hiccough, Sugar Will Relieve Patient of.—"Place a little dry sugar on the end of the tongue and hold the breath. I have tried this remedy after others have failed and obtained instant relief."
4. Hiccough, Simple Remedy for.—"Have patient hold both ears closed with the fingers, then give them three swallows cold water while they hold their breath."
5. Hiccough, Home Remedy to Stop.—"Take nine swallows of cold water while holding the breath."
6. Hiccough. Vinegar Stops.—"One teaspoonful of vinegar thickened with sugar and eaten slowly."