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Hiccups for over 24 hours: Hiccups – Symptoms and causes

Chronic Hiccups: Causes, Treatments, and More

Chronic Hiccups: Causes, Treatments, and More

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Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. O. — By Diana Wells — Updated on May 22, 2023

Hiccups are caused by spasms in your diaphragm, the large muscle just below your lungs. Some people have chronic hiccups that last for days, weeks, or years.


Hiccups happen when your diaphragm contracts involuntarily, which is also known as a spasm.

The diaphragm is a muscle that helps you breathe. It’s located between your chest and your abdomen.

After the involuntary contraction, your vocal cords will rapidly shut. This is what causes the sound that comes with hiccups.

For most people, hiccups usually last a few minutes and are not a medical concern. However, if your hiccups last longer than 2 days, they’re considered chronic. They’re also referred to as persistent if they last over 2 days, but end within 1 month.

If you have multiple recurring episodes of hiccups over prolonged periods of time, this is also considered chronic hiccups.

Chronic hiccups can last for years in some people and are usually a sign of a medical issue. They can also cause health issues themselves.

You may experience exhaustion when they keep you awake most nights. Chronic hiccups can also lead to severe weight loss because they can affect your appetite or desire to eat.

Chronic hiccups are very rare, but people who may have a higher risk of getting chronic hiccups include those who:

  • have recently undergone general anesthesia
  • experience anxiety or other mental health issues
  • have had surgery in the area of the abdomen
  • have illnesses of the liver, bowel, stomach, or diaphragm
  • are pregnant
  • have cancer
  • drink alcohol excessively
  • have a nervous system disorder

Treating chronic or persistent hiccups will usually require more than just drinking a glass of water.

Since chronic hiccups cause health issues and can also be a sign of a larger health concern, the majority of treatments require the help of a medical professional.

You usually can’t treat the issue yourself or resolve the problem at home. Treatments depend on the underlying cause and may include:

  • treating the underlying health condition that’s causing the hiccups
  • taking medications prescribed by a doctor, such as baclofen, chlorpromazine, valproic acid, or metoclopramide
  • having surgery, such as implanting a device that electrically stimulates the vagus nerve
  • injecting the phrenic nerve with anesthetic
  • acupuncture

There are many things believed to cause hiccups, but the cause of chronic hiccups isn’t always known. The cause may also take an extended period of time to discover.

The following are just some of the possible causes:

  • recent abdominal surgery
  • general anesthesia
  • diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, kidneys, or liver
  • cancer tumors
  • brain or spinal cord lesions
  • brainstem seizures
  • pneumonia
  • irritation of the nerves that control breathing

Related conditions

Conditions that are related to chronic hiccups may include any medical or health issue that involves the autonomic nervous system. This is the system that controls your body’s unconscious actions, like breathing, heartbeat, and digestive tract functions.

While one-time or occasional hiccups are common and resolve quickly, chronic hiccups are very rare and more difficult to treat.

It’s important that you see a medical professional if you have hiccups that last more than 2 days or you’ve had multiple hiccup episodes that are occurring more frequently over time, as they could be a symptom of a serious medical condition.

Even if the cause is not found, chronic hiccups alone can affect your quality of life as well as your health if they’re not treated.

You can connect with a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

Read this article in Spanish.

Last medically reviewed on November 6, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • 6.01 Singultus (hiccups). (n.d.).
    ncemi.org/cse/cse0601.htm
  • Chronic hiccups. (2014).
    rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6657/chronic-hiccups
  • Greenberger NJ. (2018). Hiccups.
    merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/hiccups
  • Hiccups, chronic. (2005).
    rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hiccups-chronic/
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Hiccups.
    mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiccups/basics/definition/con-20031471

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 22, 2023

Written By

Diana Wells

Edited By

Stella Miranda

Nov 6, 2018

Medically Reviewed By

Stacy Sampson, D. O.

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Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By Diana Wells — Updated on May 22, 2023

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Persistent/Long-Lasting Hiccups













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By Sally Robertson, B.Sc.Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.

Hiccups occur as a result of the diaphragm suddenly involuntarily contracting. The diaphragm is the layer of muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities and plays an important role in controlling breathing. Tightening of the diaphragm causes the vocal cords to suddenly close, which results in the characteristic “hic” sound.

Illustration of diaphragm (yellow) in the body.

Hiccups are very common and affect almost everybody at some point in their lives. Often they occur in the absence of any trigger, although short episodes of hiccups have been linked to a number of causes such as drinking alcohol, eating large quantities of food, drinking fizzy or hot drinks, smoking, eating too quickly and becoming excited, stressed, or scared.

Chronic hiccups

Hiccups generally pass after a few minutes/hours or occasionally, a day or two. In some cases, however, they can last for an extended period of time. Episodes that do not pass within two days and last for up to one month are referred to as “persistent” and in the rare case of them lasting for even longer than one month, they are referred to as “intractable.” The longest episode of hiccups that has even been recorded lasted for 60 years.

Hiccups that recur over long periods are also referred to as “chronic” and depending on how long chronic hiccups last, people may suffer from disrupted sleeping or eating patterns. This can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and weight loss.

Causes

Nerve damage or irritation

The underlying cause of chronic hiccups is often unknown and the condition is not thought to be inherited, with most cases occurring sporadically in individuals who have no family history of the problem. The most common cause of chronic hiccups is nerve damage or irritation. More specifically, the vagus nerve or phrenic nerve may be affected, which are nerves that serve the diaphragm. Examples of problems that may affect these nerves include the following:

  • Laryngitis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Growth in the neck such as a tumor or cyst
  • A hair touching the eardrum

Disorders of the central nervous system

A health problem that affects the central nervous system can interfere with the body’s ability to control the hiccup reflex. Some examples of these problems include the following:

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Stroke
  • Encephalitis
  • Meningitis
  • Tumor
  • Traumatic brain injury

Metabolic disorders

Some examples of metabolic disorders that are associated with the development of chronic hiccups include:

  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disorders
  • Liver abnormality
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Fever
  • Uremia
  • Hyponatremia
  • Hypocalcemia

Drugs

The use of certain drugs is also associated with chronic hiccups and examples include:

  • Anesthesia
  • Short-acting barbiturates
  • Steroids
  • Tranquilizers

Other health problems

Further examples of health problems that are associated with chronic hiccups include:

  • Those that cause irritation to the diaphragm such as pneumonia, hiatal hernia, pleurisy, and pericarditis
  • Gastrointestinal diseases
  • Psychological conditions such as hysteria or shock

Diagnosis and treatment

A doctor can usually diagnose a case of chronic hiccups based on symptoms, but a full physical examination may be required, along with a range of blood tests and imaging studies to establish the exact underlying cause. Treatment then depends on the cause and may include the following:

  • Muscle relaxants
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Sedatives
  • Analgesics
  • Stimulants

In rare cases, medication may not be sufficient to resolve chronic hiccups and surgery may be performed to block the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm.

Sources

  1. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hiccup/Pages/Treatment.aspx
  2. www.mayoclinic.org/…/con-20031471
  3. www.mayoclinic.org/…/con-20031471
  4. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hiccups-chronic/
  5. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6657/chronic-hiccups

Further Reading

  • All Hiccups Content
  • What Causes Hiccups?
  • Hiccups and Cancer
  • Self-Help for Hiccups
  • Treatment for long-lasting hiccups


Last Updated: Feb 26, 2019

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Gikavka: causes, symptoms and preparations for healing

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Gykavka

Vydpovidno to the International classification ailment, gykavka – tse anomalous sickness. Vaughn blames through the judiciary shortness of the intercostal membranes and diaphragms, which subjugates the nerve structures of the brain. As a result, there is a short inhalation, a sharp breath again teasing the nerves and closing the vocal gap – the process itself is accompanied by a specific sound, which we call a whoop.

Species of the whooping

Mentally divide the whooping into three types:

  1. Short-hour (episodic) – sound three times no more than 15 whilins.
  2. Stay – foretell the day by stretching for a few days or tyzhnіv past, you can save yourself by stretching for a long time and navit deb.
  3. Pathological – whooping, which trembles for months and inspires with fates.

The drive to get to the doctor is a stalk and a pathological whoop. Most of the fluctuations stink about the presence of a traumatic poshkodzhennya or illness, as if calling out a sharp shortness of the diaphragm.

Stikka and pathological hiccups fallowly depending on the localization of the pathological fossa are subdivided into: nkovo-intestinal ailments;

  • central – due to the result of stimulation to the center of the whooping after damage to the spinal cord and / or the brain;
  • toxic – develops in the aftermath of metabolic disorders, infusion of certain medicinal properties, smoking, alcohol abuse.
  • Causes of whooping

    Episodic whooping is a natural reaction to the teasing of the bulging nerve – this is how the excess of the tube bulges every once in a while. And the purchase of a cold wind can be maddened by the survival of dry food (baking, bagels, crackers), sprago, quick hedgehog, overdating, or by hunger, overcooling, severe stress. Causes of whooping in children and adults are similar.

    In newborns, the hiccup is a wider phenomenon, the shards in the first months of life are the mechanisms that regulate the short-lived function of the diaphragm, supra-lingually awake. This is explained by the fact that they are not able to adapt to the necessary world. In most cases, in the little ones, the hiccup vinikaє through the supra-mundane stretching of the walls of the sluice to show that they spent the first hour of the year, or even when they were transferred. Also, the whooping can winknut through overcooling, or a strong perelyak.

    Like a baby’s whooping, it’s on its own and it’s not good, it’s not good to show off. However, if you blame it regularly, or save three hours, you need to consult a doctor to rule out the possibility of a serious illness.

    Possible causes of permanent hiccups of the central gait:

    • encephalitis;
    • meningitis;
    • circulatory disorders;
    • newborn or trauma to the brain;
    • cerebral artery aneurysm;
    • Russian sclerosis and in.

    Peripheral hiccup – part of the “companion” of patients from:

    • diaphragmatic hernia;
    • with puffs for a stravokhod or a hose;
    • ailments and newly formed pidshlunkovoy vines;
    • virazkovy ailment of the slough and twelve-fingered intestines;
    • zhovchnokam’yanoy twig;
    • gastroesophageal reflux;
    • disruption of the rhythm of the heart, yakі vymagayut setting electrocardiostimulator;
    • myocardial infarction;
    • ailments of dichal organs (especially laryngitis, pneumonia and middle dorsal swellings) and in.

    Trivala toxic hawk in an adult human is affected by metabolic disorders. These can include diabetic neuropathy on aphids, cerebrodiabetes, hypokalemia (prolapsed diarrhea, vomiting), hypocalcemia, uremia, etc.

    The cause of hiccups in older people can be the use of drugs, for example, morphine, azithromycin, tranquilizers, barbiturates, chemotherapeutic drugs.

    Diagnosis of hicks

    The presence of hicks is essential for a definite diagnosis of the whole organism, in order to establish the cause of the pathological state. We prescribe consultations of a cardiologist and a neurologist to exclude myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke. For obstezhennya, it is necessary to conduct an electrocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging.

    Depending on the clinical picture, the following investigations may be needed: radiography, computed tomography, gastroscopy, spirography, electroencephalography, bronchoscopy, esophagomanometry, as well as calcium blood count, for creatinine, functional state of the liver and other.

    Geek at the newlyweds: what’s the job?

    Even though it is cold in the house, it is necessary to wrap up the little one and take it in your arms to warm it with its warmth.

    Like a whoosh started on the first hour of the day, or right after the birthday, next to vilify the lack of a vertical position, stroking on the back. Tse to speed up the exit too much again from the hose.

    Like a whoosh at a child’s trival, it is necessary to turn to the doctor.

    Treatment of the hoot in mature adults

    Trivala of the boar in any case does not become ill, as a symptom of a serious pathology, therefore the scheme of treatment is stale only in the case of the main problem of health.

    Tablets in the form of a hive of the central movement, which should be used exclusively for symptomatic therapy (when a person has taken hicati): haloperidol, chlorpromazine, sodium valproate, gabapentin, pregabalin, nifedipine, methylphenidate. The stench teases the diaphragm and normalizes the work of the central nervous system.

    In case of suputnіh slutkovo-intestinal disorders, it may be recommended to treat hives in mature adults, which normalizes etching, for example, domperidone, metoclopramide, simethicone, or a drug from the group of proton pump inhibitors.

    Complimentary

    Trivala hawk suddenly worsens the quality of a person’s life, causing insomnia, stress, nervous exhaustion. Porushuєtsya vmoktuvannya їzhi in the slunkovo-intestinal tract, scho lead to waste vaga. Іsnuє risky development of esophagitis, dehydration.

    Prevention

    There are only two ways that you can protect yourself from the attacks of the whoop:

    • ї, hot or cold;
    • unique overcooling.

    List of references

    1. Shtulman D.R., Levin O.S. Neurology: practical doctor’s guide. – 6 types. – 2008. – 1024 p.
    2. WHO.

    More information about the boom

    How to fix the boom?

    What to do with episodic whooping? To wake up, you can drink a glass of cold water, drink sour (a slice of lemon, for example) or licorice (a spoonful of honey), and do dichal gymnastics.

    Which drug helps against hicks?

    It’s a pity, we still don’t know how to look for a hawk, yak would help by stretching the shortest possible period of an hour. You can take over-the-counter zasib, which will normalize the poisoning.

    Which body is responsible for the hack?

    At the mechanism of the boom, the back of the diaphragm and the intercostal membranes.

    How much money can you get?

    Episodic – up to 15 hvilin (one and a half years old), stay – sprat of years or days.

    Respect! Symptom card is recognized as exclusive for lighting purposes. Do not engage in self-deception; with good food, as if you are suffering from illness and ways of yogo rejoicing, go to the doctor. Our site does not bear any responsibility for the references, caused by the wrong placement on the new information.

    Hiccups in adults and children. How to stop hiccups – clinic “Dobrobut”

    Main

    Medical Library Dobrobut

    Publication date: 2020-02-17

    Causes of hiccups in adults and children, how to get rid of

    Hiccups in children and adults are often perceived as normal. But you need to know that in some cases it can be a sign of serious pathological problems. With constant and prolonged hiccups, a doctor’s consultation is necessary. A pediatrician will help to understand the causes of this problem in a child. Adults are advised to consult a neurologist.

    Causes of hiccups

    If the problem has affected the child and worries regularly, then it is necessary to exclude pathologies and only after that look for the cause. Perhaps the baby just overate, but hiccups in newborns may be due to an imperfect connection between the diaphragm and the brain, or swallowing air during feeding. The problem can also begin with hypothermia, so babies need to be dressed slightly warmer than an adult.

    Hiccups in adults may occur due to:

    • overeating;
    • intake of carbonated drinks;
    • hysterics and sobs;
    • fits of laughter.

    Hiccups often occur during pregnancy due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. In addition, the condition under consideration can occur as a manifestation of stress, drug poisoning, and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

    No matter what causes hiccups, you need to know how to quickly stop an attack of convulsive contraction of the muscles of the diaphragm – this is how this problem is classified in medicine.

    How to get rid of hiccups

    Hiccups in a small child are not harmful to health, but you need to make every effort to ensure that the attack ends. In no case should you scare the baby – the grandmother’s way of quickly getting rid of hiccups can provoke disorders of the nervous system, since it is not yet fully formed. Boiled water will be the best solution – just a few sips and after 10-30 seconds the diaphragm will stop convulsively contracting.

    How to get rid of hiccups in adults and older children:

    • suck and chew/swallow a slice of lemon slowly;
    • Slowly drink a glass of water at room temperature in small sips;
    • Eat 1-2 teaspoons of sugar with water (better – dissolve 2 pieces of refined sugar).

    How to quickly get rid of hiccups: take a deep breath, opening your mouth wide. Hold your breath with your mouth open for a few seconds. Usually the attack stops immediately, but the reception can be repeated several times. If the problem is triggered by hypothermia, dress warmly, drink hot tea or cover yourself with a blanket.

    What should I do if I have hiccups that occur frequently and are characterized by a prolonged attack? There are specific drugs:

    • Cisapride – taken 1 tablet before meals and 1 tablet at night;
    • Baclofen – an average of 10 mg 3 times a day;
    • Chlorpromazine – 25 mg intramuscularly 4 times a day.

    Such appointments are made by a doctor, since self-administration of medicines is fraught with undesirable consequences, severe side effects.

    You can find out how to stop hiccups on your own and what will help your child at an appointment with a neurologist or pediatrician. And you can sign up for a consultation with specialists on our website dobrobut. com

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