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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Remedy For The Frequent And Annoying Hiccups?

My grandfather had hiccups for a long time. And they're not like your average hiccup they last much longer and are very annoying. They sometimes last hours or even days. He has gotten old now and they've seemed to have gotten worse. We tried everything from giving him water to making him breath in a paper bag. But nothing seems to work I was wondering if you have any solution that will stop the hiccups.
Tue, 13 May 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Thanks for the query. Hiccups are involuntary spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm, and if present for a prolonged period, they may be distressing. Hiccups may occur due to a number of underlying cause, and in the elderly some of the common causes are electrolyte imbalance (specially hyponatremia), metabolic diseases, persistent coughing, gatroesophageal reflux and stroke.
In your grandfather's case I would suggest you to go Xylocaine viscus which can give some symptomatic relief. Proton pump inhibitors (eg Pantoprazole 40 mg) may be tried. During severe episodes, Baclofen tablets may be used (10 mg twice or thrice a day - may cause drowsiness). He has to avoid carbonated beverages.
Apart form the above symptomatic treatment the underlying cause needs to be dealt with. Please get the electrolytes and metabolic parameters checked. If there is hyponatremia, sodium supplementation may be needed (eg oral extra salt). If the hiccups are very distressing, consult a gastroenterologist (Upper GI endoscopy may be needed).
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What Is The Remedy For The Frequent And Annoying Hiccups?

Thanks for the query. Hiccups are involuntary spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm, and if present for a prolonged period, they may be distressing. Hiccups may occur due to a number of underlying cause, and in the elderly some of the common causes are electrolyte imbalance (specially hyponatremia), metabolic diseases, persistent coughing, gatroesophageal reflux and stroke. In your grandfather s case I would suggest you to go Xylocaine viscus which can give some symptomatic relief. Proton pump inhibitors (eg Pantoprazole 40 mg) may be tried. During severe episodes, Baclofen tablets may be used (10 mg twice or thrice a day - may cause drowsiness). He has to avoid carbonated beverages. Apart form the above symptomatic treatment the underlying cause needs to be dealt with. Please get the electrolytes and metabolic parameters checked. If there is hyponatremia, sodium supplementation may be needed (eg oral extra salt). If the hiccups are very distressing, consult a gastroenterologist (Upper GI endoscopy may be needed).