Causes of excessive hiccups

Excessive hiccups may follow diaphragm irritation, swallowed air, reflux, stomach irritation, medicines, or another illness. Eating quickly, a very full stomach, sudden temperature changes, alcohol, and emotional excitement can trigger short episodes. Acid Reflux and Gastritis may irritate nearby structures and contribute when hiccups keep returning.

Brief hiccups often settle without treatment. Pay attention when they begin, how long they last, and whether meals, lying down, heartburn, nausea, or abdominal discomfort are present. New hiccups after a medicine change should be mentioned to the prescriber. Hiccups that interfere with sleep, eating, drinking, breathing, or wound healing need a clinician's assessment because the trigger may not be limited to the stomach.

Sit upright, take small sips of water, and avoid overeating, fizzy drinks, and alcohol while symptoms are active. Slow your breathing and allow the diaphragm to relax; avoid frightening yourself or using forceful techniques. If reflux symptoms accompany the episodes, ask a clinician whether Acid Reflux Medication is appropriate rather than borrowing someone else's medicine.

Arrange medical advice when hiccups are prolonged, repeatedly return, or stop you sleeping, eating, or drinking. Seek urgent care for hiccups with severe chest or abdominal pain, trouble breathing, confusion, weakness, severe headache, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. A clinician can review medicines and examine for reflux, Gastritis, or another cause.

Could reflux or Gastritis be irritating my diaphragm? Did a recent medicine or illness precede the hiccups? What symptoms would make this urgent? Is Acid Reflux Medication appropriate for my other symptoms?