Repeated or sudden diaphragm movements that cannot be controlled are called hiccups. The muscle that separates the chest from the stomach region is called the diaphragm and it plays an essential role in breathing. Diaphragm spasms may cause vocal cords to suddenly close and make a “hic” sound.
Hiccups often happen when you drink alcohol or carbonated beverages, get suddenly excited, or eat large meals. Sometimes, hiccups may indicate an underlying medical problem. While some people experience hiccups for a short period, others may have them for months. Thus, people with long-lasting hiccups may experience fatigue (extreme tiredness) and weight loss.
Symptoms
The hiccups symptoms include uncontrolled spasms of the diaphragm that produce a “hic” sound. In some cases, people may experience a mild tightening in the chest, throat, or stomach region.
Immediately visit a doctor, if hiccups last more than two days or are severe and cause eating, sleeping, or breathing problems.
Causes
There are different causes of hiccups including nerve damage or irritation, central nervous system disorders, metabolic problems, and some medicines and alcohol use. Check below the most common hiccup triggers that make them last less than two days:
- Heavy alcohol drinking
- Carbonated drinks
- Large meals
- Being excited or under emotional stress
- Sudden temperature changes
- Swallowing air such as when smoking or chewing gum
The following cases make hiccups last more than 48 hours. For example:
Nerve Irritation or Damage
When irritation or damage to the vagus or phrenic nerves occurs, people usually experience long-term hiccups. Previous nerves supply the muscles of the diaphragm. Check below some factors that may cause irritation or damage to these nerves:
- A hair or thing that touches the eardrum
- A tumor or cyst that grows on the thyroid gland
- Acid reflux into the esophagus (a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach)
- Sore throat
- Laryngitis
Central Nervous System Disorders
An infection or tumor that happens in the central nervous system may damage it and negatively affect the body’s ability to control the hiccup reflex. For example:
- Brain inflammation (also called encephalitis)
- Inflammation of the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain (meningitis)
- Multiple sclerosis (this is a health condition in which the tissues of the spinal cord or brain are hardening, which may cause tremors or paralysis)
- Stroke
- Serious brain injuries
- Tumors
Metabolic Problems
In people with long-term hiccups usually the body’s metabolism does not work properly. Check below for some metabolic problems:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Electrolyte imbalance (such as reduced or increased potassium or sodium levels)
Some Medications and Alcohol Problems
Using the following medicines or alcohol may also cause hiccups for long periods. Examples include:
- Sedatives or medicines used for anesthesia
- Steroids (such as Dexamethasone) are used to lessen inflammation in people with asthma, kidney problems, arthritis, and others.
- Misuse of alcohol
Risk Factors
Generally, men are more prone to develop hiccups than women. Check below for additional factors that may elevate your risk of developing hiccups:
- Emotional or mental health problems – These include excitement, stress, anxiety, and others.
- Surgery – Sometimes, hiccups may occur after general anesthesia often used before surgery.
In addition, hiccup complications include eating, drinking, speaking, and sleeping problems. Sometimes, this condition may worsen pain.
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals usually diagnose this health problem by performing physical and neurological examinations to check for the following abnormalities. These include:
- Sight and sense of touch
- Reflexes
- Muscle tone and strength
- Coordination and balance
Additional tests are usually required if your doctor suspects that hiccups are caused by an underlying medical condition. Check below some tests:
- Laboratory tests – These include blood samples tested in the laboratory to check for diabetes, infections, kidney disease, and others.
- Imaging tests – For example CT (computerized tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or X-ray scans of the chest. Previous tests are used to get detailed images of the diaphragm or its nerve (such as the phrenic nerve).
- Endoscopic Test – This involves a thin tube with a small camera on the end that is inserted into the esophagus (also known as a food pipe) to check for irregularities.
Treatment
Commonly, hiccups go away on their own but if they are caused by an underlying health condition, you may need treatment. Healthcare professionals usually prescribe medicines and other procedures if hiccups last for more than two days. For example:
- Medications – Physicians often recommend Baclofen, Chlorpromazine, and Metoclopramide for people with long-term hiccups.
- Procedures – If less invasive procedures cannot help you, physicians may recommend an injection of anesthetic that helps block the phrenic nerve. As a result, hiccups will stop. Moreover, another option to treat long-term hiccups is a surgically implanted device that sends mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. Commonly, this procedure is used in people with epilepsy but it is quite effective in controlling hiccups.
Home Remedies
Unfortunately, there are no ways to stop hiccups but if they last little more than several minutes the following remedies may help you. For example:
- Sip cold water
- Hold the breath
- Gargle with ice water
- Breathe into a paper bag
- Do not drink carbonated beverages and foods that may give you gas
- Avoid eating large meals
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of hiccups?
These include:
- Alcohol misuse
- Diabetes
- Carbonated soft drinks
- Overeating
- Central nervous system disorders
- Strong emotions and stress
- Certain medications
- Sudden temperature changes
- Swallowing air (including when smoking or chewing gum)
- Pneumonia
- Vagus and phrenic nerve irritation or damage
- Nervousness
- Spicy foods
- Eating too fast
This article does not contain all possible causes. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
What are the possible hiccup complications?
While most of the time, hiccups do not cause any complications, they may happen. These include:
- Discomfort
- Eating problems
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Respiratory alkalosis
- Wound dehiscence
- Sleeping disturbances
- Psychiatric disorders
- Weight loss
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking
- Reduced carbon dioxide levels in the blood
- Irregular heartbeats
- Delayed wound healing
If any of the previous complications occur, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.
What symptoms may cause long-term hiccups?
For example:
- Mental disorders (including anxiety or disturbed mood)
- Stress
- Convulsive syncope (fainting)
- Eating and drinking problems
- Sleeping problems
- Extreme tiredness
- Speaking problems
- Pharyngitis
If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
