Highlights & Basics
- Hiccups are a common and mostly harmless condition.
- Most hiccups are benign and self-limited, rarely requiring medical attention. However, various organic causes can lead to chronic hiccups that can last for years.
- Chronic hiccups can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, fatigue, depression, insomnia, and reduced quality of life.
- Various therapies have been described, from nonprescription remedies to mechanical stimulation of the involved anatomic structures.
- Most of the evidence for treatments of hiccups come from uncontrolled observational trials or case-control series or reports. Valid randomized trials are needed.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Moretto EN, Wee B, Wiffen PJ, et al. Interventions for treating persistent and intractable hiccups in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jan 31;(1):CD008768.[Abstract][Full Text]
Zhu LL, Wang WX, Guo XG. Acupuncture for hiccups after stroke: a systematic review. Chin J Evid Based Med. 2011;11:325-8.
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