Hiccups are a common and usually temporary phenomenon that most of us have experienced at some point in our lives.

They are characterized by sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the typical “hic” sound. Hiccups typically last only a few minutes or a couple of hours, but in some cases, they can persist for much longer periods of time.

What Causes Hiccups?

Hiccups can be triggered by various factors, including eating too quickly, consuming carbonated beverages, sudden excitement or emotional stress, or irritation of the nerves that control the diaphragm.

However, persistent or long-lasting hiccups may be indicative of an underlying medical condition.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic condition in which the contents of the stomach flow backward into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. In addition to heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing, hiccups can also be a symptom of GERD.

The stomach acid irritates the vagus nerve, which plays a role in regulating the diaphragm, leading to prolonged hiccups.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Certain disorders affecting the central nervous system can cause long-lasting hiccups. Examples include:.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in the blood supply to the brain, leading to brain cell damage.

Hiccups that persist for a prolonged period after a stroke can be related to the damage caused to the brain areas responsible for controlling the diaphragm.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the protective coating around nerve fibers.

Hiccups that become chronic or long-lasting may be a neurological symptom of MS, as the damaged nerves disrupt the normal function of the diaphragm.

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors can directly affect the areas of the brain responsible for controlling the diaphragm, leading to persistent hiccups. They can also indirectly cause hiccups by irritating or compressing the surrounding nerves.

Diaphragmatic Irritation

Long-lasting hiccups can be caused by irritation of the diaphragm itself. This can occur due to various factors, including:.

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia refers to the protrusion of a portion of the stomach through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can lead to irritation of the diaphragm and chronic hiccups.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac-like covering around the heart. In addition to chest pain and other symptoms, it can also cause irritation of the diaphragm, leading to prolonged hiccups.

Other Possible Causes of Long-lasting Hiccups

In addition to the conditions mentioned above, there are several other potential causes of persistent hiccups:.

Acid Reflux

Chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can irritate the diaphragm, leading to hiccups that last for an extended period.

Medications

Some medications, such as certain sedatives, opioids, and steroids, can interfere with the normal functioning of the diaphragm, causing prolonged hiccups as a side effect.

Metabolic Disorders

In rare cases, certain metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney failure, can contribute to long-lasting hiccups.

Treatment for Long-lasting Hiccups

When hiccups persist for an extended period, it is important to seek medical attention to identify the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:.

Medications

Depending on the cause of the hiccups, medications such as baclofen, chlorpromazine, or gabapentin may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms and regulate the diaphragm’s function.

Nerve Block

In some cases, a nerve block may be performed to block the signals sent to the diaphragm, providing temporary relief from persistent hiccups.

Surgery

In rare instances when all other treatment methods fail, surgery may be considered as a last resort. This typically involves surgically implanting a device that can regulate the signals sent to the diaphragm.