The hiccup is a spasm of the diaphragm and chest muscles, but when it becomes constant it can indicate some type of irritation of the phrenic and vagus nerves, which innervate the diaphragm, due to situations such as reflux, consumption of alcoholic or carbonated drinks, as well as fast breathing for example.
Most of the time, hiccups are harmless and pass in a few minutes or with stimuli such as holding your breath, blowing, drinking cold water or making a gargle, for example, however, the constant hiccup is characterized by several episodes of hiccups during the day, for several days in a row. See 5 homemade ways to stop hiccups.
When the hiccup becomes constant, it is important to investigate the cause, as there may be some significant neurological change, impairment of the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract, requiring medical evaluation to better determine the cause and indicate the appropriate treatment.
What can it be
The main causes of constant hiccups include:
- Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks, such as soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages; Excessive consumption of foods that can increase the production of gases, dilating the stomach, such as cabbage, broccoli, peas and brown rice, for example - See which foods cause gas; Gastrointestinal disorders, such as esophagitis, gastroenteritis and reflux, mainly, which corresponds to the return of the contents of the stomach to the stomach and towards the mouth, causing pain, inflammation and causing hiccups. Learn how to identify and treat gastroesophageal reflux; Changes in the respiratory system, whether due to diseases such as pneumonia, for example, or increased respiratory rate after strenuous physical exercise, for example, by decreasing the concentration of CO2 in the bloodstream; Electrolytic changes, that is, changes in the concentration of calcium, potassium and sodium in the body; Neurological diseases that can alter the control of the respiratory muscles, such as brain tumor and multiple sclerosis, for example.
In addition, constant hiccups may arise after surgical procedures in the chest or abdomen, as it may cause some type of stimulation or irritation in the diaphragm region. These causes are closely related to the occurrence of hiccups, however it is not yet known what actually leads to the occurrence of these spasms. Learn about other causes of hiccups.
What to do
When the hiccup is constant, not stopping naturally or with methods that stimulate the vagus nerve and increase CO2 levels in the blood, such as blowing something, drinking cold water, holding your breath for a few seconds or breathing into a paper bag, for example. For example, it is necessary to seek medical attention in order to identify possible causes.
Thus, hiccups that last longer than 48 hours should be investigated, through tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, bronchoscopy or endoscopy, for example. Then, after identifying the cause, the doctor will indicate the appropriate treatment, which may include the use of antibiotics, gastric protectors or changes in the diet, for example, depending on the cause.
Constant hiccups in the baby
Hiccups in babies are a common situation, as in this period your chest muscles and diaphragm are still developing and adapting, and it is common for your stomach to fill with air after breastfeeding. Thus, the presence of hiccups is not usually a cause for concern, and it is recommended to adopt some measures that help to move faster, such as getting the baby up or burping him. See other tips on what to do to stop your baby's hiccups.
However, if the hiccup lasts more than 24 hours or disrupts eating, breastfeeding or sleeping, it is important to seek the pediatrician's evaluation, as it may be something more serious, such as infections or inflammations.
