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Don’t fight Chronic hiccups alone.
Find your community on the free RareGuru App.Chronic hiccups are unintentional movements (spasms) of the diaphragm followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords that persist for an extended period of time. Hiccups often develop for no apparent reason and typically go away on their own after a couple minutes. However, chronic hiccups last over two days and in rare cases, may continue for over a month. Hiccups that recur over long periods of time are also considered "chronic." Depending on how long the hiccups last, affected people may become exhausted, dehydrated and/or lose weight due to interruptions in sleep and normal eating patterns. Other complications may include irregular heart beat and gastroesophageal reflux. The exact underlying cause is often unknown; some cases may be caused by surgery, certain medications and/or a variety of health problems such as central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) abnormalities, psychological problems, conditions that irritate the diaphragm, and metabolic diseases. Treatment of chronic hiccups varies but may include medications and/or surgery.
Source: GARD Last updated on 05-01-20
Although the exact underlying cause of chronic hiccups is often unknown, many factors can contribute to the development of hiccups. For example, common triggers for hiccups include hot or spicy foods and liquids; harmful fumes; surgery; and/or certain medications. Chronic hiccups can also be associated with a variety of health problems including:
For a comprehensive listings of factors that can cause chronic hiccups, please click here.
Last updated on 05-01-20
A diagnosis of chronic hiccups is usually obvious based on symptoms. However, a complete physical exam with various laboratory tests and imaging studies (i.e. chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, and/or fluoroscopy of the diaphragm) may be performed to determine the underlying cause.
For more information about the workup and diagnosis of chronic hiccups, please click here.
Last updated on 05-01-20
Chronic hiccups are not thought to be inherited. Most cases occur sporadically in people with no family history of the condition.
Last updated on 05-01-20
The long-term outlook (prognosis) for people with chronic hiccups depends on the cause. Chronic hiccups are often associated with underlying medical conditions that vary in severity.
Depending on how long the hiccups last, affected people may experience the following complications regardless of the underlying cause:
Last updated on 05-01-20
Treatment for chronic hiccups often varies based on the underlying cause. In many cases, medications can be prescribed to treat chronic hiccups. These may include:
Rarely, medications may not be effective in the treatment of chronic hiccups. In these cases, surgery to temporarily or permanently block the phrenic nerve may be performed. The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm.
Last updated on 05-01-20
Kohse EK, Hollmann MW, Bardenheuer HJ, Kessler, J. Chronic Hiccups: An Underestimated Problem. Anesthesia & Analgesia: 2017 Oct;125(4):1169-1183.
Last updated on 04-27-20
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