What causes sudden hiccups at night, and what should I do about it?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Sudden hiccups at night may be related to dietary factors, environmental factors, gastroenteritis, etc. Timely diagnosis is necessary, and medication should be taken as directed by a physician when needed. Besides the aforementioned causes, hiccups could also result from conditions such as duodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis, or reflux esophagitis. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance.
Sudden hiccups at night may be related to dietary factors, environmental factors, gastroenteritis, etc. Timely diagnosis is necessary, and medication should be taken under medical guidance if needed. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Dietary Factors
If one eats too quickly during dinner or consumes large amounts of gas-producing foods such as radish or sweet potatoes, frequent nighttime hiccups may occur. This is a normal physiological phenomenon that generally does not cause adverse effects and does not require special treatment.
2. Environmental Factors
If the indoor temperature is too low during sleep, excessive inhalation of cold air may stimulate the diaphragm and cause stomach chilling, leading to sudden hiccups, possibly accompanied by abdominal pain. In such cases, drinking more hot water or applying a hot water bottle to the stomach area may help relieve hiccup symptoms.
3. Gastroenteritis
This mainly refers to inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. Under continuous stimulation by inflammatory factors, gastrointestinal mucosal damage leads to slowed gastrointestinal motility, resulting in food accumulation and gas production in the stomach, thus causing sudden nighttime hiccups, bloating, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Patients may take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lactasin tablets, or smectite powder according to medical advice.
Besides the above causes, sudden nighttime hiccups could also result from conditions such as duodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis, or reflux esophagitis. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance.
