S y m p t o ms The symptoms of hiccups include: A sharp contraction or spasm of the diaphragm that is felt just below the breastbone. Air is involuntarily sucked into the throat. The closing epiglottis makes a 'hic' sound. Hiccups usually stop after a few minutes.
D i s o r d ers r e l a ted t o hiccups 1. Nerve damage or irritation The most common cause of long-term hiccups is damage to or irritation of the vagus nerves or phrenic nerves, which serve the diaphragm muscle.Factors that may cause damage or irritation to these nerves include: тАв A tumor, cyst or goiter in your neck Gastroesophageal reflux тАв Sore throat or laryngitis
2. Central nervous system disorders A tumor or infection in your central nervous system or damage to your central nervous system as a result of trauma can disrupt your body's normal control of the hiccup reflex. Examples include: Encephalitis Meningitis Multiple sclerosis тАв Stroke тАв Traumatic brain injury. тАв Tumors
3 . Metabolic disorders and drugs Long-term hiccups can be triggered by: тАв Alcoholism Anesthesia Barbiturates Diabetes Electrolyte imbalance Kidney failure тАв Steroids Tranquilizers
R i s k f a c tors Men are much more likely to develop long term hiccups than are women. Other factors that may increase your risk of hiccups include: Mental or emotional issues. Anxiety, stress and excitement have been associated with some cases of short term and long-term hiccups. Surgery. Some people develop hiccups after undergoing general anesthesia or after procedures that involve abdominal organs.
C o m p l i c a tions Prolonged hiccups may interfere with: Eating Sleeping Speech Wound healing after surgery
I n v e s tigation 1 . Physical t e s t During the physical exam, d octor may perform a neurological exam to check your: Balance and coordination Muscle strength and tone Reflexes Sight and sense of touch
2 . Laboratory tests Samples of your blood may be checked for signs of: 1 . Infection 2 . Diabetes 3 . Kidney disease
3 . I m a g i n g t e s t These types of tests may be able to detect anatomical abnormalities that may be affecting the vagus nerve, phrenic nerve or diaphragm. Imaging tests may include: тАв Chest X-ray Computerized tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)