Hiccup Relief Using Active Prolonged Inspiration.

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Hiccups are a common, involuntary reflex involving diaphragm and intercostal muscle spasms.
• While typically self-limiting (<48 hours), prolonged hiccups can indicate rare underlying pathologies.
• Effective hiccup termination methods are scarce in scientific literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Active Prolonged Inspiration (HAPI) technique for hiccup relief.
• To assess HAPI's potential for both self-limited and prolonged hiccup cases.

Main Methods:

• The HAPI technique involves maximal inspiration, followed by a 30-second sustained inspiratory effort with an open glottis.
• A slow expiration and resumption of normal breathing follow the inspiratory hold.
• Twenty patients with self-limited hiccups and one with prolonged hiccups participated.

Main Results:

• All participants reported immediate cessation of hiccups upon employing the HAPI technique.
• The HAPI method proved effective across both short-term and prolonged hiccup durations.

Conclusions:

• The Active Prolonged Inspiration (HAPI) technique is presented as a simple and effective method for hiccup relief.
• Further research is warranted to validate the HAPI technique's effectiveness.
• HAPI combines phrenic and vagal nerve stimulation with transient hypercapnia.