What Causes Unstoppable Hiccups Every Evening In A 40 Year Old Man?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2016

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

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 Answered on

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctors, Prima facie it is a great effort to operate such a a platform. I am 40 years old Male and am suffering from unstoppable hiccups since evening. Though drinking water is giving a break it is only short lived. Should I consult a physician on a priority basis Have no other health complaints as of now.. Thanks in Advance

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

hiccups lasting for duration more than 30 minutes could be secondary to a pathology in the stomach.

Its recommended to get examined and if needed a endoscopy to rule out gastritis or gastric ulcers which are the most common cause for the same.

Meanwhile you can take antacids like Gelusil which can relieve you of the hiccups if it is due to gastritis. Continue taking fluids now and then to control the episodes.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (3 hours later)

Thank You Dr XXXXXXX for your detaled guidance. This is the first time I experienced this situation and prior to this no gastritis related symptoms were found. And I habitually am a proportionately high liquid taker as I start my day with one liter of lukewarm water and maintains 4-5 liters of water intake everyday. I am a teetotaler (purely non-alcoholic), consumes non-veg occasionally, as well soft-drinks are a strict no-no.

But in the recent summer I repeated taking lime soda with a pinch of salt to manage heat as I am a marketing guy....I am providing this info...so that you may have more clarity on the situation.

Thanks & Regards, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid carbonated drinks

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

Sorry for the delay in my response.

First, I would like to appreciate the healthy life style you are adapted to.

I would recommend to avoid carbonated drinks for few days as they can stimulate the nerves in the stomach and induce a reflex reaction which result in sudden diaphragmatic contractions presenting as hiccups. Same is the mechanism in case of gastritis.

Avoiding any acidic or too basic drinks can cause hiccups on a long run.

Hope, I have a answered your query.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T