Why do I keep hiccupping after having an appendectomy?
Oct 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Improper bed-lying posture after surgery: Prolonged supine position postoperatively may cause residual gas in the abdominal cavity or changes in gastrointestinal pressure, stimulating the diaphragm and triggering hiccups. The frequency of hiccups may change when altering posture. It is recommended to adjust bed-lying posture regularly, such as adopting a semi-sitting position or slowly sitting up, and to engage in appropriate ambulation when medically permitted, thereby reducing diaphragmatic pressure. Eating too quickly or overeating.
Hiccups after appendectomy may be caused by improper bedrest posture, eating too quickly or overeating, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diaphragmatic spasms, or gastritis. These can be improved through posture adjustment, dietary modifications, and medication. If hiccups persist for more than 24 hours or are accompanied by chest pain, vomiting, or other symptoms, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Improper bedrest posture: Prolonged lying flat after surgery may cause residual gas in the abdominal cavity or changes in gastrointestinal pressure, stimulating the diaphragm and triggering hiccups. The frequency of hiccups may change when adjusting posture. It is recommended to regularly adjust bedrest positions—such as adopting a semi-sitting position or slowly sitting up—and to get out of bed for light activity when medically permitted, to reduce pressure on the diaphragm.
2. Eating too quickly or overeating: Resuming food intake too early after surgery, eating rapidly, or consuming large meals can cause air to enter the gastrointestinal tract along with food, irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa and causing hiccups, often accompanied by bloating. It is advised to gradually transition from liquid diets post-surgery, chew food thoroughly, eat until 70–80% full at each meal, and avoid excessively hot or gas-producing foods.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Impaired gastrointestinal function after surgery, along with relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, may allow stomach contents to reflux and irritate the esophagus and diaphragm, leading to hiccups. Symptoms may include acid regurgitation and a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Patients may take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.
4. Diaphragmatic spasms: Postoperative wound pain, exposure to cold, or emotional stress may trigger involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, resulting in persistent or paroxysmal hiccups, which may worsen during episodes of pain. Under medical supervision, medications such as chlorpromazine tablets, metoclopramide tablets, or baclofen tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.
5. Gastritis: Postoperative consumption of contaminated food or stress responses may damage the gastric mucosa and cause inflammation. This inflammatory process may stimulate gastrointestinal nerves and induce hiccups, accompanied by dull upper abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Medications such as rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, bismuth potassium citrate capsules, or amoxicillin capsules should be taken according to medical advice to improve symptoms.
For daily care, maintain warmth in the abdominal area to avoid chilling; keep emotions stable and minimize anxiety or tension; take a light walk after meals to promote gastrointestinal motility; and maintain regular eating habits, avoiding spicy, raw, cold, or otherwise irritating foods.
