Hiccups

What are Hiccups?
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm—the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. Each contraction is followed by a sudden closure of your vocal cords, which produces the characteristic "hic" sound.

For most people, a bout of hiccups lasts only a few minutes. Rarely, they may persist for months, resulting in malnutrition and exhaustion.

Symptoms

The primary symptom is the sound itself. However, you may also feel:

• A tightening sensation in your chest, abdomen, or throat just before the sound.

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Make an appointment if your hiccups last more than 48 hours or if they are so severe that they cause problems with eating, sleeping, or breathing.

Causes

Causes depend on how long the hiccups last.

1. Short-Term Triggers (Less than 48 Hours)

These are usually lifestyle-related:

• Drinking carbonated beverages.
• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Eating too much (large meals).
• Excitement or emotional stress.
• Sudden temperature changes.
• Swallowing air (chewing gum or sucking on candy).

2. Long-Term Causes (More than 48 Hours)

Chronic hiccups are often caused by damage or irritation to the Vagus or Phrenic nerves, which serve the diaphragm.

• Nerve Irritation: A hair touching the eardrum, a tumor/cyst in the neck, or Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD).
• CNS Disorders: Tumors, infection (Encephalitis/Meningitis), Stroke, or Traumatic Brain Injury can disrupt the hiccup reflex.
• Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes, Kidney failure, or electrolyte imbalances.
• Drugs: Steroids, tranquilizers, or anesthesia.

Diagnosis

If hiccups persist, doctors will perform a neurological exam to check balance, coordination, and reflexes. Further tests may include:

• Blood Tests: To check for infection, diabetes, or kidney disease.
• Imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI): To detect abnormalities affecting the diaphragm or nerves.
• Endoscopy: A camera passed down the throat to check for esophageal problems.

Treatment

Most cases resolve on their own. If an underlying medical condition (like GERD) is found, treating that usually stops the hiccups.

Medical Interventions (Chronic Cases)

If hiccups last longer than two days, doctors may prescribe:

• Medications: Chlorpromazine, Metoclopramide, or Baclofen.
• Nerve Block: Injecting an anesthetic to block the phrenic nerve.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Surgically implanting a battery-operated device to deliver mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve (similar to epilepsy treatment).

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.