HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Why Would Hiccups Last For More Than A Hour For The Past Few Days?

default
Posted on Thu, 20 Jan 2022
Question: For 3 days hiccups lasting an hour or so for no apparent reason. Not eating or taking liquids. Tough to sleep. Can control by drinking a glass of water slowly. A while later (an hour maybe 3 hours) they come back.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In most persons recurrent hiccups are related to one of the following- (1) gastric distension from food, air, alcohol
(2)psychological eg excess excitement or stress
(3)sudden change in ambient (surrounding) or gastric temperature
(4)use of alcohol or tobacco in excess

In rare cases, recurrent hiccups can be associated with more serious causes such as- (1)trauma to the nerve supplying the diaphragm,
(2) infection,
(3)presence of a mass which can be benign or malignant,
(4) reflux,
(5) low potassium, calcium or sodium,
(6) side effect of medication

These are some of the more serious causes , but as mentioned, they are not as common.

There are medications that can help such as chlorpromazine, metoclopramide, baclofen, phenytoin. These are some of the options available to you if the hiccups continue or worsen.
You would need to see your doctor to be assessed , he or she can give you a prescription.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Why Would Hiccups Last For More Than A Hour For The Past Few Days?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: Hi, In most persons recurrent hiccups are related to one of the following- (1) gastric distension from food, air, alcohol (2)psychological eg excess excitement or stress (3)sudden change in ambient (surrounding) or gastric temperature (4)use of alcohol or tobacco in excess In rare cases, recurrent hiccups can be associated with more serious causes such as- (1)trauma to the nerve supplying the diaphragm, (2) infection, (3)presence of a mass which can be benign or malignant, (4) reflux, (5) low potassium, calcium or sodium, (6) side effect of medication These are some of the more serious causes , but as mentioned, they are not as common. There are medications that can help such as chlorpromazine, metoclopramide, baclofen, phenytoin. These are some of the options available to you if the hiccups continue or worsen. You would need to see your doctor to be assessed , he or she can give you a prescription. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions