Can Hiccups Be Chronic?

Hiccup (medically known as ‘singultus’) is an involuntary rhythmic action caused due to the spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm and is experienced by almost every one of us. There is no significance of these hiccups usually and these may occur without any underlying disease.

In the normal scenario, the sudden entry of air into the lungs causes the epiglottis to close, thereby producing the hiccup sound. Sometimes, over distention of the stomach also cause the hiccups. These categories of hiccups resolve by themselves in a short period of time by merely forgetting about them. Home remedies include drinking water, eating sugar, holding the breath and many other orthodox ways.

However, there are some categories of hiccups (also known as chronic hiccups), which are of surgical importance and require medical intervention.

Some hiccups occur in the early post-operative period. These signify an upward pressure of the under surface of the diaphragm. This increase of pressure may be due to increased abdominal pressure. The causes behind such increase in the abdominal pressure include dilatation of the stomach, dilatation of the coils of the small intestine and paralytic obstruction etc. Treatment of such hiccups requires aspiration through a tube, thereby releasing the intra-abdominal pressure.

Another category of hiccups arises due to advanced renal failure. On examination, such patients have dry, brown-coated tongue. This is an emergency condition and investigations should be carried out on priority in such cases.

Sometimes, hiccups may also result due to peritonitis, which involves the diaphragm. This may cause repeated attacks of hiccups.

Treatment of chronic hiccups includes prescribing sedatives and anti-psychotic drugs. Rectal massage is also believed to provide some relief. Persistent hiccups may also be benefited from carbonated beverages and vinegar. In chronic cases, surgical intervention is deemed necessary in which the phrenic nerve has to be crushed.