Chronic hiccups

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Disease Overview

Chronic hiccups are repeated, unintentional contractions of the breathing muscles that continue for a long period of time. Regular hiccups often develop after eating a large meal or drinking a carbonated beverage, and they typically go away on their own after a couple minutes. Chronic hiccups last over two days and in rare cases, may continue for over a month. Complications of chronic hiccups can include insomnia, fatigue, weight loss, malnutrition, and depression or anxiety. The exact underlying cause is often unknown; and over 100 different causes of chronic hiccups have been reported. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and the duration of the hiccups. Treatment of chronic hiccups varies but may include medications, acupuncture, and/or surgery.[15879][15880][15881][15882]


Synonyms

  • Intractable singultus
  • Intractable hiccups
  • Persistent hiccups
  • Hiccups, intractable

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National Organization for Rare Disorders