What causes hiccups?

Hiccups when hungry may be caused by diaphragmatic spasms, indigestion, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, or duodenal ulcers. Appropriate management methods can be selected based on the specific cause.

1. Diaphragmatic Spasms

In a state of hunger, the stomach still undergoes mechanical peristalsis, which causes accumulated gas in the stomach to move upward and stimulate the diaphragm, resulting in diaphragmatic spasms and hiccups. This is generally considered normal and usually improves after drinking water or eating appropriately.

2. Indigestion

When gastric digestive function declines, food remains in the stomach for prolonged periods, producing gas that is expelled through belching. This may lead to hiccups during hunger, possibly accompanied by acid reflux. Follow medical advice to take medications such as multiprotease tablets, compound digestive enzyme tablets, or microparticulate pancreatin tablets to promote digestion.

3. Chronic Gastritis

Prolonged inflammation of the gastric mucosa can weaken digestive function, leading to food accumulation and gas production in the stomach. When hungry, increased gastric motility moves the trapped gas upward, stimulating the diaphragm and causing hiccups, possibly accompanied by bloating. Under medical guidance, medications such as misoprostol tablets, teprenone capsules, or amoxicillin capsules may be used for treatment.

4. Gastric Ulcer

During hunger, gastric acid secretion increases in concentration and may irritate the ulcerated area in the stomach, causing gastric wall spasms and contractions that trigger hiccups, possibly accompanied by abdominal distension. Follow medical advice to use medications such as bismuth potassium citrate capsules, hydrotalcite tablets, or ranitidine hydrochloride capsules for treatment.

5. Duodenal Ulcer

In a hungry state, gastric acid secretion can irritate the ulcer site in the duodenum, leading to gastric wall spasms that stimulate the diaphragm and cause hiccups, possibly accompanied by dull pain in the stomach. Under medical guidance, medications such as domperidone tablets, omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, or sucralfate tablets may be used for treatment.

If symptoms persist without improvement, seek timely medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment as prescribed. Maintain regular eating habits, avoid overeating, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.