What causes hiccups?
May 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Hiccups usually refer to singultus, which may be associated with eating too quickly, improper diet, abdominal exposure to cold, chronic gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions. Patients should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital and follow medical advice to improve symptoms through general measures, medications, or other treatments. During treatment, patients should pay attention to their diet, focusing on light, nutritious, and easily digestible foods such as egg custard, millet porridge, and milk.
Hiccups usually refer to singultus, which may be related to eating too quickly, improper diet, cold exposure to the abdomen, chronic gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other factors. It is important to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and follow medical advice for improvement through general measures, medication, or other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Eating too quickly: When food is consumed rapidly, large amounts of air may be swallowed, leading to excessive gas in the stomach and resulting in hiccups. It is recommended to slow down during meals, chew food thoroughly, and avoid swallowing excess air.
2. Improper diet: Consuming excessive gas-producing foods, such as sweet potatoes and tofu, can easily cause buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to hiccups and increased flatulence. It is advisable to adjust the diet appropriately and reduce intake of such foods.
3. Cold abdomen: Exposure of the abdomen to cold temperatures can slow gastrointestinal motility and impair digestive function. Additionally, cold stimulation may trigger spasms of the diaphragm, causing hiccups. Applying a hot water bottle to the abdomen is recommended, as it can help relax the diaphragm and relieve discomfort.
4. Chronic gastritis: This condition is generally associated with factors such as medication irritation or bile reflux. Damage to the gastric mucosa may lead to symptoms including acid regurgitation, bloating, and hiccups. It is recommended to take medications such as lansoprazole tablets, pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated capsules, or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Dietary habits or certain medications can contribute to GERD. In this condition, stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal lining and potentially causing pain and hiccups. Patients may follow medical instructions to use medications such as cisapride tablets, omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, or esomeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets to relieve symptoms.
During treatment, patients should pay attention to their diet, focusing on light, nutritious, and easily digestible foods such as steamed egg custard, millet porridge, and milk.
