Chronic Hiccups: Is It Possible To Treat It?
Everyone knows what hiccups are and has suffered from it at times. It consists of a series of involuntary contractions of the diaphragm that cause the vocal cords to close, with that characteristic and funny sound. However, chronic hiccups are far from being fun.
Chronic hiccups are a rare disease. It is estimated that there is only 1 case per 100,000 inhabitants and it consists in that these contractions of the diaphragm are repeated for periods of more than 48 hours.
Having chronic hiccups can be a symptom of another illness. For this reason it is difficult to treat it, since what must be eliminated is the underlying cause. In this article we explain everything you need to know about this problem.
What are the causes of chronic hiccups?
As we have already mentioned, chronic hiccups are those that last for days, and even weeks. It alternates with periods in which the patient does not suffer from it. However, most suffer from it several times in the same month.
This pathology is usually the consequence of another disease that settles in the digestive tract, frequently in the esophagus and stomach, which are the two organs in contact with the diaphragm. Specifically, gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis is pointed out as one of the most culprits.
Reflux esophagitis is a disease in which the esophagus is injured because the acidic content of the stomach rises and erodes its walls. This gastroesophageal reflux is conditioned by many factors, such as the type of food, smoking and hot infusions.
Although chronic hiccups can have many causes, men are more likely to suffer from it than women. It appears that stress and anxiety are also triggers.
What other causes are there?
As chronic hiccups consist of involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, it must be taken into account that any nerve injury that affects this muscle can cause it. In the first place, it can be caused by a brain injury in the area that triggers the reflex.
The most common diseases that damage involuntary motor neurons are meningitis and multiple sclerosis. It has also been seen that chronic hiccups can be a symptom of a brain tumor, or a consequence of a cerebrovascular accident that leaves sequelae.
An injury to the nerves that conduct impulses to the diaphragm can also be the trigger. It is the so-called phrenic nerves that communicate the central nervous system with the abdominal muscle. Part of its route is through the neck and thorax, so pathologies in that area should be ruled out.
Finally, it is important to note that chronic hiccups can be a side effect of some medications and drugs. In fact, it sometimes appears after an anesthesia or surgical technique. It has also been observed in addicts to alcohol and other sedatives.
Is chronic hiccups treatable?
The treatment of this pathology is based on the solution of the underlying cause that has caused it. That is, if chronic hiccups are due to gastroesophageal reflux, the most important thing will be to treat this disease, for which antacids that regulate stomach pH are used.
However, beneficial effects have also been found in some medications that can be used for chronic hiccups as such. Chlorpromazine and metoclopramide are drugs that indirectly help. The first is usually used as an antipsychotic, and the second is for nausea.
In the event that none of that works, there are surgical techniques to treat it. They are based on blocking the phrenic nerves, in order to stop the nerve impulse that contracts the diaphragm.
A bigger problem than common hiccups
We must remember that chronic hiccups are a very disabling symptom. It affects all aspects of the patient’s life, preventing him from even sleeping. Therefore, at the time of treatment, it is important to also provide psychological support.
We are not facing the classic hiccup, of short duration, which disappears immediately. People with chronic hiccups spend whole days with the symptom, and they must adapt their existence to this discomfort. That is why it is essential to accompany and help them.
