Digestive system causes
Issues with the digestive system may result in hiccups.
- Overeating or eating too quickly
- Swallowing air: Especially when chewing gum or eating hard candy
- A tumor in the abdomen: This can irritate the diaphragm.
- Heartburn: Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD
- Talking while eating
- Spicy foods
- Carbonated drinks
While most hiccups resolve on their own within a few minutes or hours, chronic hiccups that last longer than 48 hours may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Various health issues can trigger persistent hiccups, including gastrointestinal disorders like GERD or stomach ulcers, central nervous system disorders such as tumors or infections, metabolic disorders, and certain medications. For example, chronic hiccups have been associated with conditions affecting the brain stem, kidney failure, and even some types of cancer. Because chronic hiccups can significantly impact quality of life and may indicate a serious health problem, it's important to consult a doctor if hiccups persist for more than two days. A thorough medical evaluation can help identify any underlying causes and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Other causes
Other various causes that can result in hiccups include the following.
- Severe emotional stress
- Going suddenly from warm air to very cold air
- Pregnancy
- Surgery: Especially of the abdominal organs
- Medications
- Alcohol use and abuse
This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.
Acute episode of hiccups
An episode of hiccups is caused by involuntary contraction of the diaphragm with rapid closure of the airway by the epiglottis. An acute episode (lasting less than 48 hours) is very common, and most often tied to rapid eating, holding breath, or alcohol consumption.
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: hiccups
Symptoms that always occur with acute episode of hiccups: hiccups
Urgency: Wait and watch
Persistent hiccups
Hiccups are caused by the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, with rapid closure of the airway, by the epiglottis. Hiccups lasting longer than 48 hours are called Persistent Hiccups.
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: hiccups
Symptoms that always occur with persistent hiccups: hiccups
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Intractable hiccups
A bout of hiccups involves involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and rapid closure of the airway by the epiglottis. Hiccups lasting longer than one month are called "intractable" and may be connected to a broad range of different underlying conditions.
The most effective way to stop intractable hiccups is to find and treat the underlying cause or condition. Make an appointment in the next few days to see a physician and discuss the possible causes for your hiccups with a physician.
Rarity: Ultra rare
Top Symptoms: hiccups
Symptoms that always occur with intractable hiccups: hiccups
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is a general term for kidney damage caused over time by other illnesses, especially high blood pressure and diabetes. Eventually kidney function becomes impaired and wastes are no longer properly filtered from the blood, leading to serious illness.
Most susceptible are those over age 50 with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and/or a family history of kidney disease.
Symptoms include fatigue; difficulty concentrating; poor appetite; muscle cramps at night; dry, itchy skin; swollen eyes, feet, and ankles; and increased urination.
Left untreated, chronic kidney disease results in serious illness, kidney failure, and death. It is important to see a medical provider as soon as symptoms begin.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination; a blood test called Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR;) ultrasound or CT scan of the kidneys; and sometimes a kidney biopsy.
Treatment includes medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and fluid retention, and a low-protein diet to reduce the work the kidneys must do. Dialysis and kidney transplant are only done if there is kidney failure.
Barrett's esophagus
Barrett esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus changes. These changes occur after longstanding gastro-esophageal reflux. Symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux can be regurgitation, heartburn. Barretts esophagus is associated with a risk of developing malignant esophageal disease.
You should visit your primary care physician to discuss these symptoms and if screening for this condition is useful. Your doctor will likely advise you to start preventive actions if you are at risk of developing Barretts esophagus. These actions usually include life style adjustments and medications.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: nausea, regurgitation, heartburn, sore throat, dry cough
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Achalasia
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This condition affects the ability of the esophagus to move food into the stomach.
You should visit your primary care physician within the next 24 hours, where imaging and exploration of your swallowing issues can be fully worked up. With diagnosis, treatment is typically surgical and outcomes are good.
Rarity: Ultra rare
Top Symptoms: pain below the ribs, regurgitation, unintentional weight loss, heartburn, deep chest pain, behind the breast bone
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Questions your doctor may ask about hiccups
- What is your body mass?
- Have you or do you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
- Do you currently smoke?
- Are you having difficulty concentrating or thinking through daily activities?
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.
