Seeking Help: My Father’s Persistent Hiccups Have Lasted Five Days
Overview: My father, who is 75 years old, has been experiencing relentless hiccups for the past five days, and I am extremely anxious about it. Background: A year ago, he suffered a heart attack and subsequently underwent bypass surgery. He has diabetes but does not engage in drinking or smoking. Overall, he is in good health and weighs approximately 140 pounds. He visited the emergency department yesterday, where doctors performed X-rays on his heart, and the results showed no abnormalities. His blood tests also returned normal findings. As part of the treatment, he was given chlorpromazine, yet even after more than 24 hours of taking the medication, the hiccups persist. He has experienced some chest discomfort, which was the reason for his trip to the emergency room. I am desperate for any suggestions on how he can alleviate the hiccups or insights into what might be causing them. This situation is causing me a great deal of stress, and the thought of losing him is unbearable.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 7:10:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand how concerning it can be to see your father struggle with persistent hiccups, especially given his medical history. Hiccups lasting longer than 48 hours, especially in an older adult, can sometimes indicate an underlying condition, which adds to your anxiety. The use of chlorpromazine was a good step, as it’s often used to address severe hiccups, but since it hasn’t worked yet, we can explore additional considerations and self-care measures.
Explanation
Hiccups can have a variety of causes, including digestive issues, irritation of the diaphragm, or, less commonly, neurological or cardiac concerns. Since your father's recent tests showed normal results for his heart and blood work, it’s promising, but the prolonged hiccups and chest discomfort still warrant attention.
Next Steps
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of when the hiccups occur, their intensity, and any associated discomfort. This information can be very helpful for healthcare providers if you decide to seek further help.
-
Hydration: Encourage your father to drink water slowly. Sipping cold water or swallowing air while drinking (if comfortable) may sometimes help interrupt the hiccup cycle.
-
Nutritional Adjustments: Avoid heavy meals, spicy foods, or carbonated drinks. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help lessen potential gastrointestinal triggers.
-
Breathe into a Paper Bag: In a calm environment, he can try breathing slowly into a paper bag for a short period. This can sometimes reset the diaphragm and stop hiccups.
-
Relaxation Techniques: High stress can exacerbate hiccups. Activities like gentle walking or relaxation exercises may bring calmness, which might help the body stop the hiccup reflex.
-
Consider Changing the Medication: If the hiccups persist and the above suggestions do not help, discussing the medication's effectiveness or other treatment options with his doctor might be beneficial.
-
Monitor Chest Discomfort: If the chest discomfort worsens or if he experiences new symptoms (like shortness of breath, severe pain, or significant changes in health), prompt medical evaluation is crucial.
Your father’s ongoing hiccups are understandably distressing, but by following these steps, you can help manage the situation while maintaining his comfort. Should the hiccups continue without improvement, it may be helpful to consider seeking further medical advice or follow-up. You’re doing a great job care for him during this challenging time.
Related Questions
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.
Persistent Need to Stretch Legs While Seated
I experience a significant discomfort when seated, particularly when my knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. This sensation compels me to stretch my legs straight, and if too much time passes without doing so—typically around every five to six minutes—the urge intensifies to an uncomfortable level that’s hard to manage. It’s more than just a desire to fidget; fully extending my legs tends to offer the greatest relief. Adjusting my position provides some comfort, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling nearly as effectively as a full stretch does. This issue predominantly arises when I remain stationary in a chair. Occasionally, I notice a similar feeling when I’m lying down, but these instances are relatively rare compared to the frequent occurrences while sitting. I consulted a relative who is a medical professional about this discomfort, and they suggested that it doesn’t appear to align with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, since this isn't their specialization, I acknowledge that there may be a chance of error. * What could potentially be causing these sensations? * Does anyone else relate to this experience? * Are there methods available to help manage or diminish this feeling? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.