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What Causes Constant Hiccups?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Feb 2017
Question: my husband came down with a cold yesterday. He goes through periods of non-stop hiccups. Is this normal? And what can he do to for relief?
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Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Some practical advices recommended.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health concern.
I read carefully your description and I understand it.

Hiccups are normal to happen in these cases because the uvula and upper respiratory tract is irritated.

What your husband may try at home include:
--holding breath
--breathing into paper bag
--causing fright
--drinking ice water
--drinking water from opposite side of cup
--drinking water while covering ears tightly
--swallowing items that are difficult to swallow such as granulated sugar, peanut butter, or molasses (be careful with this)
--biting lemon
--inducing sneezing with black pepper
--performing Valsalva maneuver
--applying pressure to bridge of nose, upper lip, or eyebrow area
--compressing diaphragm by pulling knees to chest or leaning forward
--stimulating palate or pharynx with cotton applicator
--lifting uvula with spoon.

All these are recommendations are used worldwide, not things that are only to my advice.

If any of these don't work then you need to see a local doctor so he can apply some things that are done only in medical office.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications
Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr.Papaqako

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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What Causes Constant Hiccups?

Brief Answer: Some practical advices recommended. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health concern. I read carefully your description and I understand it. Hiccups are normal to happen in these cases because the uvula and upper respiratory tract is irritated. What your husband may try at home include: --holding breath --breathing into paper bag --causing fright --drinking ice water --drinking water from opposite side of cup --drinking water while covering ears tightly --swallowing items that are difficult to swallow such as granulated sugar, peanut butter, or molasses (be careful with this) --biting lemon --inducing sneezing with black pepper --performing Valsalva maneuver --applying pressure to bridge of nose, upper lip, or eyebrow area --compressing diaphragm by pulling knees to chest or leaning forward --stimulating palate or pharynx with cotton applicator --lifting uvula with spoon. All these are recommendations are used worldwide, not things that are only to my advice. If any of these don't work then you need to see a local doctor so he can apply some things that are done only in medical office. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer. Regards, Dr.Papaqako