What are the possible causes of persistent hiccups?

Hiccups usually refer to involuntary diaphragmatic spasms. Persistent hiccups may be caused by improper diet, cold weather, indigestion, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, or other reasons. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Eating too quickly, overeating, or consuming excessive spicy, greasy, or irritating foods can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction and pressure on the diaphragm, resulting in persistent hiccups. Symptoms such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux may also occur. Adjusting dietary habits—such as chewing food thoroughly and eating at a slower pace—can help alleviate these symptoms.

2. Cold Weather

In cold weather, the body constricts blood vessels to retain heat and reduce heat loss. This vasoconstriction may affect normal gastrointestinal function, triggering persistent hiccups, along with symptoms like shivering and cold hands and feet. Hiccups caused by cold temperatures typically do not require medication and can be relieved by wearing warmer clothing or drinking hot water.

3. Indigestion

Indigestion is commonly caused by poor lifestyle habits, emotional stress, or organic diseases. When food remains in the gastrointestinal tract for too long without being fully digested and absorbed, it can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing persistent hiccups. Other symptoms may include bloating, early satiety, postprandial fullness, and belching. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as compound digestive enzyme capsules, mosapride citrate tablets, or trimebutine maleate tablets.

4. Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis refers to chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by various factors, including Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term consumption of strong tea, overeating, etc. Chronic inflammation damages the gastric mucosa and impairs its normal function, leading to persistent hiccups. Additional symptoms may include stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. Treatment should be conducted under a doctor's supervision using medications such as rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated capsules, sucralfate tablets, or clarithromycin capsules.

5. Gastric Ulcer

Excessive gastric acid secretion, Helicobacter pylori infection, or drug irritation may lead to ulcerative lesions in the gastric mucosa. These ulcers damage the mucosal lining and impair normal gastric function, thereby causing persistent hiccups. Other symptoms may include stomach pain, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn. Treatment should follow medical advice and may involve medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, colloidal bismuth pectin capsules, or metronidazole tablets.

To prevent and improve symptoms like persistent hiccups and indigestion, it is important to maintain healthy eating habits, avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, and stay warm. Additionally, maintaining good lifestyle habits and regular作息 (daily routines) can be beneficial.