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What Causes Recurrent Bouts Of Hiccups In An Elderly Person?
Question: After a bout with diarhea and dehydration, my husband started the hiccups. He is 79 and this has happened several times over the years. His hiccups last from 6 days to 15 days. His doctor has prescribed several medicines over the years, but none of them seem to work. He is exhausted, does not sleep, and eats very little. We need some help.
Brief Answer:
Supportive care
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Recurrent bouts of hiccups at age of 79 is likely due to a gastric acid reflux problem. chlorpromazine, metoclopromide and baclofen are helpful but it needs more that that , diet and lifestyle adjustments, avoiding triggers in diets like spices, soda, beverages, alcohol, chocolates, processed canned foods, excessive dairy products etc.
Apart from it low sodium can cause hiccups but 134 is good enough and can not be the cause. He needs complete thorough work up to find out other possibilities like uremia, hyponatremia, infections, psychogenic causes, drug induced hiccups etc.
Keep holding deep breath (valsalva maneuver ) , breath in a paper bag , use ice gargles, massage his carotids, slight pressure on closed eyes globe with palms of hands etc are some maneuvers that reduces hiccups.
I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
Supportive care
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking
I read your question and i understand your concern. Recurrent bouts of hiccups at age of 79 is likely due to a gastric acid reflux problem. chlorpromazine, metoclopromide and baclofen are helpful but it needs more that that , diet and lifestyle adjustments, avoiding triggers in diets like spices, soda, beverages, alcohol, chocolates, processed canned foods, excessive dairy products etc.
Apart from it low sodium can cause hiccups but 134 is good enough and can not be the cause. He needs complete thorough work up to find out other possibilities like uremia, hyponatremia, infections, psychogenic causes, drug induced hiccups etc.
Keep holding deep breath (valsalva maneuver ) , breath in a paper bag , use ice gargles, massage his carotids, slight pressure on closed eyes globe with palms of hands etc are some maneuvers that reduces hiccups.
I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.
Regards
Khan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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