Did you know that hiccups can last for years? American Charles Osborne suffered from hiccups for 68 years – from 1922 to 1990! But you don't have to suffer like that. One of the simplest techniques is breath holding. Take a deep breath and hold it for 10-15 seconds. This increases carbon dioxide by relaxing the diaphragm. Another method is to quickly drink a glass of water. Dr. David Fleischer, a gastroenterologist, recommends taking 9-10 small sips without stopping to inhale. Try the Valsalva maneuver: take a deep breath and push down as if you were having a bowel movement for 5-10 seconds. This will dramatically increase chest pressure. Hiccups usually pass within a few minutes. But for quick relief, these breathing techniques—tested for decades—offer a nearly instant solution.