Hiccups (a spasm of the valve above the voice box and the diaphragm that causes air to rush in and produce a "hic" sound)
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Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Hiccups that interfere with adequate breathing
- Hiccups that are continuous with any of the following heart symptoms: chest pain, difficult breathing, nausea and vomiting, sweating, pale color
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No |
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening. |
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| persistent hiccups may indicate an underlying medical problem
there are over 100 known causes of hiccups
medication may be prescribed to stop hiccups
if self management and medication therapy does not produce relief, hypnosis, acupuncture and psychotherapy can be considered |
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Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- hiccups that are continuous with any of the following GI symptoms: epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, gas, or heartburn
- hiccups that are continuous with any of the following respiratory symptoms: productive cough, difficult breathing, chest discomfort
- hiccups occur after taking a new medication
- hiccups continue for more than 1 day after self management
| Yes |
No |
Contact Your Health Care Provider. |
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Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
- breathe in and out of a paper bag about 10 times, repeat as necessary
- use a tsp. of granulated sugar under the tongue and allow to dissolve or mix sugar in a glass of water
- gargle with ice water
- hold your breath and count to 10, repeat as necessary
- drink a cup of chamomile tea
- drink water from the opposite side of the glass while bending forward from the waist
- old fashioned horehound candy (ballota nigra) may act as an antispasmodic
- try a tablespoon of peanut butter (if not allergic)
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