Hiccups during pregnancy, with a burning sensation in the esophagus and feeling very uncomfortable—why does drinking hot water cause a burning throat, and what should be done?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Hiccups during pregnancy, along with a burning sensation in the esophagus and discomfort when drinking hot water, may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as indigestion or reflux esophagitis. Appropriate treatment should be based on the specific situation. During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in the pregnant woman's body, which can affect intestinal digestive function.
Hiccups during pregnancy, along with a burning sensation in the esophagus and discomfort when drinking hot water—feeling as if the throat is scalded—may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Appropriate management should be based on specific circumstances. The detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in a woman's body, which can affect intestinal digestive function. Overeating increases the burden on the stomach. Lying down immediately after meals may cause partially digested food to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus and throat. This reflux irritates the esophageal mucosa, causing congestion and inflammation. When exposed to heat, such as hot liquids, pain intensifies, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. This is considered a normal phenomenon. It is recommended not to lie flat immediately after eating; instead, engage in light physical activity to promote digestion.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Indigestion
Pregnant women often have reduced physical immunity and are more susceptible to emotional fluctuations due to hormonal changes. Prolonged anxiety may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, delayed gastric emptying, and excessive gastric acid secretion, thus causing the symptoms described above. It is advisable to eat smaller meals more frequently, adjust dietary patterns, and consume more foods rich in dietary fiber.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
As gestational age increases and the fetus grows larger, increased abdominal pressure compresses the stomach, reducing its capacity. After eating, sudden changes in body position may trigger regurgitation of stomach contents, which can erode the esophageal mucosa. When drinking hot water, the heated damaged areas experience increased blood flow and heightened pain, leading to these symptoms. It is recommended to rest in a semi-reclining position to alleviate discomfort caused by GERD. If symptoms are severe, medical evaluation and treatment should be sought promptly. Self-medication should be avoided to prevent potential harm to fetal health.
In addition, similar symptoms could also result from other conditions such as cholecystitis, peptic ulcer disease, or cardia cancer. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, reduce intake of high-fat foods, and maintain regular sleep patterns.
