Persistent hiccups
Specialty: Gastrointestinal.
Why it occurs
- Gastric distension/reflux
- Diaphragmatic irritation
- CNS alteration
- Metabolic (uremia)
- Drugs
Initial workup
Review drugs and gastroesophageal causes; If it lasts >48 hours, look for a thoracic/CNS cause.
red flags
Intractable hiccups >48 h → look for organic cause (CNS, mediastinum, metabolic).
Standard management
- Physical maneuvers — first measure
- Metoclopramide / baclofen / gabapentin — persistent hiccups
Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.
- Area
- Gastrointestinal
- Listed causes
- 5
- Treatment options
- 2