What Causes Frequent And Persistent Hiccups?

Posted on Mon, 15 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : what causes hic cups that wont stop for days

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Vagus or phrenic nerve irritation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Cleve,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Hiccups that last for days are usually due to
1. Vagus or phrenic nerve irritation due to sore throat or goiter or gastroesophageal reflux. The nerve also supply the stomach, so any irritation or compression of nerves, are bound to give hiccups.
2. Medications also can cause side-effects presenting with hiccups.

At present I am not sure, your hiccups is present or not. You have mentioned that they do go away.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar