Hiccups

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Hiccups are also called hiccoughs. They are repeated spasms of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a big flat muscle that divides your chest from your abdomen (belly). Most hiccups last less than an hour and are not serious. Eating too much or too fast can cause hiccups. Drinking liquids with bubbles such as soda pop may cause hiccups. Sometimes hiccups can last hours to days and keep coming back. These hiccups may be caused by a medical problem. If your hiccups do not go away in 48 hours or they come back often, call your caregiver.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

How can I make my hiccups go away?

The following are treatments that you can try at home to stop your hiccups:

• Hold your breath and silently count to 10.
  
  
• Drink a large glass of water, sip ice water, or gargle with water.
  
  
• Suck on a piece of hard candy.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have hiccups for 48 hours (two days) or more.
  
  
• Your hiccups cause you pain.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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