How to Treat Chronic Hiccups

Hiccups are physiological reflexes that involve involuntary contractions of respiratory muscles. Such contractions are accompanied by an abrupt closure of the glottis during inhalation which then produces the odd “hic” sound. Hiccups can be acute or chronic. An acute hiccup is the usual type of hiccup that lasts briefly (less than 2 days). A chronic hiccup on the other hand, is a rare disorder in which repetitive spasmodic inspirations take place with in a period of 2 days or longer. There are a lot of factors that can trigger th onset of hiccups, including sudden excitement or fear, drinking large amounts of carbonated drinks and alcohol, eating or swallowing too fast, swallowing air and esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux.

Instructions

1. Take some potent medications for your chronic hiccups. Severe hiccups can be treated with prescription medications including tranquilizers chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and diazepam (Valium), muscle relaxant baclofen (Lioresal), benzodiazepines, antispasmodic drug metoclopramide (Reglan) and anticonvulsant drugs phenytoin (Dilantin).

2. Consult your doctor about nasogastric (NG) tube. This type of medical device is used by doctors for chronic cases of hiccups. If your stomach is distended due to the amount of air inside it, the doctor will then insert the thin and flexible tube from your nose into your stomach (nasogastric tube). The tube will help release trapped air that will provide relief on your distended stomach and stimulates the back of your throat at the same time--easing up your chronic hiccups. The tube is then removed as soon as your hiccups cease to occur.

3. Ask your doctor about carotid sinus massage to stop your chronic hiccups. Carotid sinus massage involves application of gentle strokes on your carotid sinus situated in your neck just below the angle of your jaw. This type of massage should only be done by your doctor--do not ever try to do it yourself to avoid any complications. During the massage, your doctor will ask you to lie down and extend your neck. The massage is not performed on both sides of the neck, so you will be instructed to turn your head away from the area that is to be massaged. The doctor will then gently palpate your carotid sinus, and looks at the electrocardiogram monitor at the same time to monitor your heart beat. If the beating of your heart does not show any changes on its rate, firm pressure is then applied on your carotid sinus using gentle circular strokes. After doing the massage on one side of your neck, the doctor will repeat the same procedure on the other side.

4. Talk to your doctor about other procedures appropriate for your case. Nerve block is a procedure that involves injection of an anesthetic to block your phrenic nerve (the nerve that facilitate contractions of the diaphragm) and stop your persistent hiccups. This procedure is often the last resort and is not usually given except for very severe cases of hiccups that are unresponsive to other treatment methods.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are experiencing hiccups that last for more than 2 days and hamper your eating or the cycles of your sleep, go to your doctor right away.