Understanding the Physiology and Causes of Hiccups

Show Notes

Take Home Points

1. Hiccups, or singultus, are caused by a reflex arc involving the vagus nerve, CNS and phrenic nerve.  If you remember the path of these nerves, you can remember that possible bad pathologies that could cause a patient to present with prolonged hiccups.
2. Physical maneuvers are the first line for solving the hiccups.  Try things that will interrupt respiration or stimulate the vagus nerve.  We like the modified valsalva in which the patient blows on a syringe, because it’s pretty easy to get the patient to do.
3. Last, medication options for hiccups include antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxers and dopamine agonist.  Generally, we start with chlorpromazine 25-50 mg PO or IM.

Read More

Steger M et al.  Systemic review: the pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment of hiccups. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2015; 42(9):1037-50. PMID 26307025