How hiccups could be a sign of something serious – and when to see your GP
HAVE hiccups ever caught you by surprise?
While they are normally harmless and no cause for concern, persistent hiccups can be a sign of some worrying health conditions.
They are caused by a spasm of the diaphragm – which means continuous hiccuping can indicate an issue with the nervous system signalling to it.
Persistent hiccups are defined by lasting longer than two days – when they continue for more than a month they are called intractable.
Conditions affecting the brain and nervous system
Strokes, brain tumours or a traumatic brain injury can all be associated with persistent hiccups.
It can also be a sign of diseases which affect the nervous system.
These include meningitis, seizures, or multiple sclerosis.
Digestive conditions
You may experience persistent or intractable hiccups if something has gone wrong in your digestive system.
Conditions include gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, hiatal hernia or peptic ulcers.
Esophageal conditions can also be the root of the issue – with many persistent ‘hiccupers’ being diagnosed with esophagitis or esophageal cancer.
Cardiovascular and lung conditions
Non-stop hiccups could also be connected to a problem with your heart.
These conditions include pericarditis, heart attacks and aortic aneurysms.
Pneumonia, lung cancer or pulmonary embolisms are some of the lung health problems associated with persistent hiccups.
Liver and Kidney issues
Certain problems with these major organs can also result in hiccups lasting longer than normal.
Cancer of the liver and kidney sometimes show hiccuping as a symptom.
Hepatitis or liver abscess, uremia, and kidney failure can also cause persistent hiccuping.
Issues with the pancreas
Pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis are other diseases you should look out for if you notice continual hiccuping.
Other infections such as tuberculosis, herpes simplex or herpes zoster, diabetes mellitus and electrolyte imbalance can also be the cause.
Medications
Not all cases are linked to health conditions – sometimes certain medications can result in persistent hiccuping.
They include chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antibiotics and anesthesia.
Do hiccups mean you are close to death?
Hiccups can occur as a person is close to death, this is usually do to a health condition mentioned previously or medication that is treating it.
When are hiccups nothing to worry about?
Despite a long list of health issues responsible for triggering continuous hiccups – there are plenty of innocent and harmless reasons too.
They include stress, excitement, eating food or drinking too quickly.
Consuming too much alcohol, fizzy drinks, or spicy food can also be the culprit.
Smoking can also result in hiccups as well as feeling a sudden change in temperature.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience hiccups that last longer than two days you should contact your doctor.
If the hiccuping is interfering with your everyday life, such as eating and sleeping, it is important to get them checked by a healthcare professional.
Persistent hiccups can be treated with medications such as chlorpromazine, metoclopramide, baclofen, gabapentin and haloperidol.
How to get rid of hiccups
According to healthline.com
- Hold your breath for a short amount of time
- Take small sips of cold water or gargle with water
- Try drinking water from the far side of the glass
- Breath into a paper bag
- Bite into a lemon
- Swallow a small amount of granulated sugar
- Bring your knees up to your chest and lean forward