VIDEO: Persistent hiccups, what to do?

Constant hiccups are a rarity

From the temporary acute hiccup- Doctors differentiate between two other forms of seizures: the so-called "persistent" hiccups, the persists for 48 hours or more and chronic hiccups that last for at least four weeks persists. Persistent hiccups in the medical sense are a rarity that only affects between 200 and 300 people in Germany.

• Even if you have been plagued by hiccups for several hours, it will usually only be a mundane acute form and hardly any persistent hiccups.

• Try to get the hiccups under control by holding your breath for 2-3 minutes. Repeat the maneuver several times, maybe at the same time put your head back.

• Another attempt would be to drink a large glass of water in small sips while holding your breath or, instead, to squeeze hard at the same time.

• Try to interrupt the involuntary contractions of your diaphragm by doing them several times cough vigorously one after the other or bend forward or, while sitting, keep your legs as wide as possible pulling up.
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• Try rebreathing as well: take a bag that is not too large and hold it over with both hands mouth and nose. Then breathe in and out slowly for several minutes without putting the bag down or breathing on the side.

• If these measures are unsuccessful, an attempt to irritate the nasal mucous membrane, for example with smelling salts or vinegar, can help.

• Take sips of ice water, swallow crushed ice cubes or a lemon wedge.

• Also, try not to focus on the excruciating hiccups all the time. Lie down, close your eyes and try to calm down.

If the hiccups don't stop

If the hiccups develop into a permanent problem and you no longer know what to do, you should consult your doctor to find out more. In particular, if the hiccups persist during sleep, an organic cause should be considered.

• If you have actually developed chronic hiccups, a disease of the esophagus must first be ruled out. In 2/3 of the cases a chronic or recurring hiccup is caused by a so-called Diaphragmatic hernia triggered, causing gastric juices to flow back into the lower end of the esophagus can. A gastroscopy brings clarity and the problem can usually be treated very well with medication, which should also take care of your hiccups.

• Your family doctor will surely get you one too throat-Nose-Ears Introduce a doctor who will not only examine your throat and vocal cords, but also take a look inside your ears because foreign bodies in the ear, for example a hair, can cause persistent hiccups be.

• Your persistent hiccups can also be triggered by metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and gout, or by infectious diseases such as Herpes or influenza. Even gallstones and gastric mucosal inflammation, lung and heart diseases are possible triggers. Laboratory examinations, ultrasound, EKG and x-rays of the lungs can bring clarity here.

• It is also worth taking a look at the package insert for your Medication. So can various sedatives, cortisone supplements and Antibiotics cause hiccups.

• You should also critically question your alcohol consumption, because excessive alcohol consumption can trigger hiccups.

Persistent hiccups in the medical sense are rather rare and in most cases prolonged hiccups can eventually be resolved with one or the other Home remedies get a grip. If these measures are unsuccessful and you no longer know what to do, it is advisable to see your doctor. If an organic cause is found and treated, the hiccups usually go away with it.