What causes persistent hiccups?
May 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Hiccups refer to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, also known as singultus. Persistent hiccups may be caused by excessive stress, eating too quickly, indigestion, atrophic gastritis, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or other reasons. It is important in daily life to reduce stress, maintain regular eating habits, chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, avoid overeating, and pay attention to gastrointestinal health, thereby preventing or alleviating the occurrence of hiccups.
Generally speaking, hiccup refers to belching or hiccups. Persistent hiccups may be caused by excessive stress, eating too quickly, indigestion, atrophic gastritis, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Excessive Stress
Long-term exposure to stress, anxiety, or tension can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, thereby affecting the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to hiccups, symptoms such as headache, insomnia, palpitations, and chest tightness may also occur. It is important to learn how to relax, reduce stress, and maintain a positive mental state.
2. Eating Too Quickly
Eating too fast may cause excessive air to be swallowed, stimulating the diaphragm and triggering hiccups. This may also be accompanied by bloating and belching. One should pay attention to developing healthy eating habits, such as chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly.
3. Indigestion
Improper diet, overeating, or weakened gastrointestinal function can cause food to remain in the stomach for too long, producing excess gas and leading to indigestion. Besides hiccups, symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite may also occur. Treatment may include medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, Compound Digestive Enzyme Capsules, or Mosapride Citrate Tablets, used as directed by a physician.
4. Atrophic Gastritis
Atrophic gastritis refers to repeated damage to the gastric mucosal epithelium, resulting in atrophy of the intrinsic glands, often accompanied by intestinal metaplasia and inflammatory responses. After gastric mucosal damage and functional decline, hiccups may occur, along with symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and anemia. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Omeprazole Enteric-Coated Capsules, Hydrotalcite Granules, or Sucralfate Suspension Gel for treatment.
5. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Gastrointestinal dysfunction may be related to irregular eating habits, psychological stress, or intestinal flora imbalance, leading to disordered gastrointestinal motility. Besides hiccups, symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation may also occur. It is recommended to take medications such as Trimebutine Maleate Tablets, Bacillus Subtilis Bifidobacterium Live Combined Capsules, or Bifidobacterium Triple Live Powder under a doctor’s guidance.
To prevent or alleviate hiccups, it is important to reduce stress, maintain regular eating habits, chew food thoroughly, avoid overeating, and pay attention to overall gastrointestinal health.
