Understanding Persistent Hiccups: Possible Causes
I'm a 30-year-old man, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds. Aside from managing mental health conditions with medication, my overall health is good. My prescribed medications include Lorazepam, Lurasidone, Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Wellbutrin. For the past three years, I have been plagued by persistent hiccups that come and go unpredictably. Once they start, I struggle to find relief. The longest bout I've experienced lasted an astonishing 3 to 4 months, and they even disrupt my sleep. At one point, the hiccups subsided completely, but after several months, they returned, lingering for a couple of weeks. Currently, I've been dealing with another episode of hiccups that has lasted for two continuous days. I have undergone multiple blood tests, two gastroscopies, and a chest X-ray, but all results came back clear with no explanations. Despite seeking medical advice, I've yet to receive a definitive answer, and the lack of resolution is incredibly frustrating. What could be the underlying reason for these relentless hiccups?
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 11:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent hiccups can indeed be frustrating, especially when they significantly impact your daily life and sleep. Since you've had thorough investigations with clear results, let's discuss some potential underlying causes and practical steps you can take.
Main Points:
Your persistent hiccups may not have a clear medical cause based on your tests, but there are several potential explanations, including reflex irritations, nervous system instabilities, or even triggers related to your medications. It’s essential to address both the symptom and any potential underlying factors.
Explanation:
Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, which are followed by sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing the "hic" sound. They can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Gastrointestinal Irritation: Even with clear gastroscopies, there could be subtle issues like irritation from acid reflux or foods that may not have been detected.
- Nervous System: Stress or anxiety, especially given your mental health management, can contribute to hiccups.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including those for mental health, can potentially induce hiccups as a side effect.
- Idiopathic Causes: Sometimes, there's no clear reason, and the hiccups persist despite thorough evaluations.
Next Steps:
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Track Triggers: Keep a detailed diary of when your hiccups occur, including times, meals, activities, and stress levels. Identifying patterns may help you find trigger foods or situations.
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Hydration and Diet Adjustments: Ensure you’re adequately hydrated, and consider eating smaller meals more frequently. Avoid carbonated beverages, spicy foods, and alcohol, which might irritate your diaphragm.
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Breathing Techniques: Practice slow, deep breathing exercises. This can sometimes help relax the diaphragm and alleviate hiccups.
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Medication Review: Speak to your healthcare provider about your current medications. Ask if any could be impacting your hiccups or if adjustments are possible.
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Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise, which can help lessen anxiety related to your mental health.
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Consider Seeking Specialized Care: If hiccups persist, consider consulting with a gastroenterologist or a neurologist who may have more specialized insights into your symptoms.
By taking these steps, you can gain a better understanding of your hiccups and identify ways to manage them effectively. Remember, persistence is key, and finding a tailored approach based on self-monitoring can make a significant difference. Reach out if you have any further questions or need more guidance!
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