Hiccups and kidney disease: what to know

Kidney disease can change the balance of salts, acids and fluid in the body. Advanced kidney problems may also cause nausea, reduced appetite, tiredness or confusion. These changes can irritate the diaphragm or the nerves that trigger a hiccup. Hiccups alone do not identify kidney disease, and a new bout may instead follow a large meal, swallowed air, reflux, stomach irritation or a medicine.

A clinician may review your kidney history, recent blood tests, fluid intake, urine changes and medicines. Acid reflux and gastritis can also irritate the upper digestive tract and trigger repeated hiccups.

Note when the hiccups began, how often they interrupt sleep or eating, and whether they followed a medicine change. Sip water if you can swallow comfortably, eat slowly, and avoid alcohol, fizzy drinks and very large meals. Do not deliberately hold your breath or use forceful swallowing tricks if you have swallowing, breathing or heart problems.

If you have kidney disease, do not increase fluids, stop prescribed treatment or take an over-the-counter remedy without checking the plan made for you. A GP or kidney team can decide whether blood tests, a medicine review or treatment for reflux is appropriate.

Arrange prompt medical advice if hiccups continue, repeatedly return, prevent sleep or make eating and drinking difficult, especially when kidney disease is already diagnosed. Seek urgent help for breathlessness, chest pain, new confusion, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting or very little urine.

Ask whether your kidney function or fluid and salt balance could be contributing, whether any recent medicine can trigger hiccups, and which fluids are suitable for you. You can also ask whether symptoms fit Acid Reflux, Gastritis or whether Acid Reflux Medication is appropriate.