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Alternative names
SingultusDefinition Return to top
A hiccup is a sound produced by unintentional movement of the muscle at the base of the lungs (diaphragm) followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords.Considerations Return to top
Hiccups often start for no apparent reason and usually disappear after a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups can persist for days, weeks, or months.Common Causes Return to top
There may be no obvious cause for hiccups.
Home Care Return to top
There is no sure way to stop hiccups, but there are a number of common suggestions that may be effective:Call your health care provider if Return to top
You should contact your health care provider if hiccups persist for more than a few days.
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
If hiccups persist to the point that you visit your health care provider, a medical history and physical examination will be performed.
Medical history questions documenting hiccups in detail may include the following:
Diagnostic tests are seldom necessary unless a disease or disorder is suspected as the cause.
To treat persistent hiccups, the health care provider may perform gastric lavage or massage of the carotid sinus in the neck. THIS MUST BE DONE BY THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. DO NOT ATTEMPT CAROTID MASSAGE AT HOME!
If hiccups continue, a phenothiazine (especially chlorpromazine) or nasogastric intubation (tube insertion) may provide relief.
Very rarely, medical methods fail to treat persistent hiccups. Further treatment may include a phrenic nerve block.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |