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Hiccup in adults: an overview
S Launois1, J L Bizec, W A Whitelaw
1Service de Pneumologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
The European Respiratory Journal
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Hiccups are involuntary breaths with unknown purpose. While brief hiccups are common, prolonged hiccups can be disabling and signal serious medical conditions, requiring thorough investigation and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
Background:
- Hiccups are involuntary inspirations with unknown function.
- Short hiccups are common and benign, but prolonged hiccups can be disabling.
- Chronic hiccups may indicate serious underlying pathologies like myocardial infarction or brain tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology and diagnostic approaches for chronic hiccups.
- To highlight the importance of upper gastrointestinal investigations in chronic hiccup patients.
- To discuss current and emerging treatments for prolonged hiccups.
Main Methods:
- Review of medical literature on hiccup pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Emphasis on diagnostic evaluations including medical history, physical exams, and upper gastrointestinal investigations.
- Discussion of pharmacological treatments, including traditional and newer options.
Main Results:
- Chronic hiccups are associated with diverse pathological conditions.
- Upper gastrointestinal issues like ulcers, gastritis, and reflux are common in chronic hiccup patients.
- Baclofen is emerging as a safe and effective treatment for chronic hiccups.
Conclusions:
- Chronic hiccups necessitate comprehensive diagnostic workup, including upper GI evaluations.
- While etiological treatment is not always feasible, symptomatic management is crucial.
- Baclofen represents a promising therapeutic option for disabling chronic hiccups.