What causes frequent hiccups?
Disease description:
Starting a few days ago, I have been experiencing frequent hiccups throughout the day, and each episode lasts for a prolonged period. I would like to know what might be causing this condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
There are various causes of hiccups, including but not limited to the following:
1. Improper eating habits: Eating too quickly, overeating, or consuming spicy or hot foods can stimulate the phrenic nerve and trigger hiccups.
2. Temperature irritation: Consuming excessively cold or hot foods can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, causing spasms of the diaphragm, which may lead to hiccups.
3. Psychological factors: Excessive excitement or stress can affect the sympathetic nervous system, inhibit gastric motility and emptying function, leading to food accumulation and fermentation in the stomach, increased gas production, and possibly hiccups.
4. Lack of physical activity: Long-term physical inactivity may cause delayed gastric emptying and insufficient gastric motility, resulting in increased gas in the stomach and hiccups.
5. Gastrointestinal diseases: Digestive system disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, chronic gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease can also cause hiccups, especially persistent hiccups.
6. Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as opioid analgesics, may cause hiccups as a side effect.
If hiccups persist for a long time or are accompanied by other symptoms, prompt medical attention is advised.
