Chronic hiccup
Chronic hiccup Causes
Chronic hiccups are caused due to different reasons. One of this is that there is pressure in the phrenic nerve causing the diaphragm to produce spasms. The lack of electrolytes and certain vitamins is also a probable cause of chronic hiccups. Finally, chronic hiccups are a symptom of some cancers or a side effect of chemotherapy treatment.
Chronic hiccup Definition
A chronic hiccup is a condition where a person experiences hiccups for an abnormally long period of time. A hiccup is an involuntary spasm made by diaphragm. It may occur several times a minute, but it resolves by itself after some time. It is caused by the sudden rush of air to the epiglottis, causing it to close. Hiccups may occur due to some activities like laughing too hard, drinking too much alcohol and eating spicy food. They are usually treated by drinking a glass of water until the spasm subsides. Chronic hiccups meanwhile last from weeks to months and even years for some cases.
Chronic hiccup Treatment
Chronic hiccups are treated by the use of drugs and medications, depending on the cause of their occurrence. Drugs such as Haloperidol, metocloparamide and chloropromazine are prescribed for some patients, as well as the anti-spasmodic drug baclofen. Chronic hiccups caused by electrolyte imbalance are treated by taking carbonated beverages with salt to balance the potassium-sodium in the nervous system. Meanwhile, medical technology came up with a new procedure involving the use of a vagus nerve stimulator to regulate the diaphragm for some patients with chronic hiccups.