What should you know about chronic hiccups?

A hiccup is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm followed by a sudden closure of the voice box. Brief episodes can follow eating quickly, fizzy drinks, alcohol, temperature changes, or emotional stress. Hiccups that continue can irritate the nerves involved in the reflex, and reflux or gastritis may be relevant. Less commonly, illness affecting the chest, abdomen, brain, or metabolism can contribute.

Sip water, eat slowly, and avoid alcohol or carbonated drinks while symptoms continue. Note when the hiccups began, what preceded them, whether sleep or eating is affected, and every medicine or supplement you take. Do not use frightening choking tricks or forceful breath-holding. Arrange a medical review when hiccups persist or interfere with rest, nutrition, speech, or breathing.

Seek prompt care if persistent hiccups come with severe abdominal or chest pain, repeated vomiting, fever, confusion, weakness, or trouble swallowing. Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, fainting, sudden facial or limb weakness, or a new severe headache.

Ask whether reflux, gastritis, a medicine, or another condition could be irritating the hiccup reflex. Ask which examination or tests are appropriate and whether acid reflux medication is relevant to your symptoms.