Hiccups
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? 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. 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.
What causes hiccups? Hiccups often occur when the phrenic nerve (nerve that controls the diaphragm) becomes irritated. The phrenic nerve can become irritated if your stomach is too full. This can happen when you eat too much or too fast. Drinking alcohol or liquids with bubbles such as soda pop may cause hiccups. Other less common causes of hiccups are as follows:
- Disease, infection, or stroke. You may get hiccups that are caused by a long-term medical problem.
- Emotional excitement such as feeling nervous or stressed.
- Medicines. You may get hiccups from taking certain medicines.
- Surgery or medical procedures. Hiccups may be caused by anesthesia or other medicines used for a surgery or procedure. You may get the hiccups if your stomach fills with air or gas during a surgery or procedure.
What are the signs and symptoms of hiccups? You may hear a sharp, quick sound coming from your mouth. This sound is made when the hiccup spasm closes the muscles in the back of the throat as you breathe out. This sound may be the only sign that you have hiccups. If your hiccups are severe (bad), you may also have chest discomfort, vomiting (throwing up), or tiredness.
How are hiccups treated? Treatment for hiccups depends on the cause. If your hiccups will not go away, you may need medicine or other treatments to stop them. You may need medicine to treat a medical problem that is causing your hiccups. Most hiccups can be treated at home. 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.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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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