Hiccups – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Blood Work
Doctors often start by taking a blood sample. This helps them find problems like diabetes, infections, or kidney issues.
Abnormal electrolyte levels can point to causes for ongoing hiccups, such as kidney disease or a disrupted acid-base balance.
Imaging Scans
Doctors may order scans to look for physical causes. Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can show problems in the diaphragm, lungs, liver, or nearby nerves like the vagus and phrenic nerves.
These scans can help doctors find tumors, lung cancer, strokes, or other changes in the chest and nervous system that may cause hiccups.
Internal Scope Tests
If other tests do not find a cause, a doctor may use a flexible camera called an endoscope. This tool lets doctors look inside the esophagus and windpipe for irritation, damage, or other issues.
Doctors can find problems like acid reflux (GERD), swelling, or tumors with this method. The endoscope can also spot blockages, ulcers, or damage to the lining of the esophagus.
Treatment
Prescription Medications
When hiccups last more than two days, doctors may prescribe medications. These treatments are usually used when other remedies donโt work or the hiccups are affecting quality of life.
Common medication types include:
- Antipsychotics: Sometimes used for hiccup relief, especially when nausea or nerve overactivity is involved.
- Muscle Relaxants: Help ease diaphragm spasms that trigger hiccups.
- Gastrointestinal Stimulants: Support normal stomach movement to reduce irritation.
- Anticonvulsants: Modulate nerve signals and are used in persistent cases.
- Anti-Anxiety Medications: May calm the nervous system if stress is a trigger.
- Corticosteroids: Occasionally used to reduce inflammation in specific situations.
Each type of medicine works differently and may have side effects. For example, some can cause drowsiness. Your doctor will choose based on the cause and severity of your hiccups.
Doctors may consider stronger options like anticonvulsants for chronic or hard-to-treat hiccups.
Medical Interventions
If medicines do not help, doctors may try other treatments. One option is a phrenic nerve block, where an anesthetic blocks nerve signals in the chest to stop hiccups.
Doctors can also place a small device to gently stimulate the vagus nerve. This treatment was first used for epilepsy but can help with chronic hiccups.
At-Home Steps and Lifestyle Tips
Simple actions can help reduce hiccups. Some people hold their breath, breathe into a paper bag, sip cold water, or gargle with ice water.
If hiccups are linked to heartburn, indigestion, or bloating, avoiding carbonated drinks and gas-producing foods may help. Limiting tobacco and chewing gum, and eating smaller, slower meals, can also support better digestion and reduce hiccup triggers.
Other Helpful Approaches
Some people try acupuncture or hypnosis when common treatments do not stop stubborn hiccups. These options come from alternative medicine.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
Prepare a list before seeing the doctor. Include details like the type and length of your symptoms, any other medical problems, and any family history of health conditions.
Write down all medicines and dietary supplements you use. Note any questions or concerns you want to discuss during your visit.
A simple table can help organize this:
| Item | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Length, triggers, relief methods |
| Health History | Past illnesses, current problems |
| Family Medical Background | Health issues in parents or siblings |
| Medicines and Supplements | Dosages, frequency, reasons for use |
| Questions for Provider | Topics or issues you want to discuss |
Questions the Doctor Might Ask You
The doctor may ask when your hiccups began. They may want to know how often they occur.
The doctor may ask what makes your hiccups better or worse. They may ask about any medicines you use.
The doctor might ask if you have other symptoms, such as a sore throat or changes in your voice. They may also ask about chest discomfort, headaches, bloating, or trouble breathing.
