What causes persistent hiccups?
Disease description:
Hiccups occur after every meal, with continuous hiccups that cannot be suppressed even by drinking water. What is the cause of persistent hiccups?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Causes of hiccups:
1. Dietary factors: Eating too quickly, overeating, consuming spicy foods, or drinking carbonated beverages can cause stomach distension, which stimulates the diaphragm and triggers hiccups.
2. Nervous system factors: Stimulation or damage to the phrenic nerve—for example, due to neurological disorders, cervical spondylosis, pleurisy, and other conditions—can cause persistent hiccups.
3. Gastrointestinal diseases: Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and peptic ulcers may also lead to hiccups.
4. Emotional factors: Stress, anxiety, and tension can affect the nervous system and induce hiccups.
5. Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as opioid analgesics and antidepressants, may cause hiccups as a side effect.
6. Other factors: Alcohol consumption, smoking, and rapidly swallowing air can also trigger hiccups.
Occasional hiccups can often be relieved by taking deep breaths, holding your breath, drinking water, or swallowing a spoonful of sugar. If hiccups occur frequently or persist for a long time, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. In daily life, avoid eating too quickly, reduce intake of irritating foods and beverages, and maintain a healthy emotional state.
