Hiccups

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Background

  • Usually initiated by gastric distention from food, carbonated beverage, or air
  • Also known as Singultus

Definitions

  • Hiccup bout: >48 hours
  • Persistent hiccups: 48 hours to 1 month
  • Intractable hiccups: >1 month

Clinical Features

  • Hiccups

Differential Diagnosis

Hiccups

Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis
  • Consider auditory canal exam (foreign body against TM can trigger hiccups)
  • Hyponatremia and hypocalcemia
  • Consider CXR

Management

  • Physical Maneuvers (stimulating pharynx blocks the vagal portion of the reflex arc)
    • Remove foreign body from ear
    • Swallow teaspoon of sugar
    • Sip ice water
    • Drink water quickly
  • Meds

Disposition

  • Discharge for uncomplicated hiccups

See Also

References