2. Use the "deeply held breath" technique to
minimize or prevent the spasm reflex of the
diaphragm. Both of these treatments tend to
be definitive, by breaking the hiccup cycle.
If after this initial treatment, episodes are
persistent, or prolonged, or otherwise cause
discomfort, further investigation and
assessment can be done.
Factors
Overeating
Alcohol
Sudden temperature changes
Carbonated beverages, alcohol, dry breads,
and some spicy foods.[3]
Laughing
Tobacco use (nicotine)
Causes of persistent hiccups
Metabolic diseases
Diabetes
Kidney failure
Electrolyte imbalance
Deviated septum
Infections
Pneumonia
CLD
CNS disorders
Stroke
Multiple sclerosis
Tumors
Meningitis
Encephalitis
Traumatic brain injury
Nerve damage/irritation
Vagus and phrenic nerve involvement
Laryngitis
Cysts
Goiter
Gastroesophageal reflux
Treatment
Numerous medical remedies exist but no
particular treatment is known to be
especially effective.[4] Many drugs have been
used, such as baclofen, chlorpromazine,
metoclopramide, gabapentin, and various
proton-pump inhibitors. Hiccups that are
secondary to some other cause like
gastroesophageal reflux disease or
esophageal webs are dealt with by treating
the underlying disorder. A simple treatment
involves increasing the partial pressure of
CO2 and inhibiting diaphragm activity by
holding one’s breath or rebreathing into a
paper bag. Vagus nerve stimulation can
improve hiccups, done at home by irritating
the pharynx through swallowing dry bread
or crushed ice, or by applying traction to the
tongue, or by stimulating the gag reflex. The
phrenic nerve can be blocked temporarily
with injection of 0.5% procaine, or
permanently with bilateral phrenicotomy or
other forms of surgical destruction. Even
this rather drastic treatment does not cure
some cases, however.