Differential Diagnosis for Hiccups
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is often the most common cause of hiccups, as stomach acid can irritate the nerves that control breathing, leading to hiccup spasms.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Eating too quickly or drinking too much: Swallowing air can irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups.
- Stress or excitement: Emotional states can sometimes trigger hiccup episodes.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx can affect the nerves controlling the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cardiac conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, pericarditis): In rare cases, hiccups can be a symptom of a heart attack or other serious cardiac issues.
- Pneumonia or other lung infections: Severe respiratory infections can cause irritation of the nerves controlling breathing, leading to hiccups.
- Stroke or brain tumor: Although rare, hiccups can be a symptom of neurological disorders affecting the brain's breathing centers.
- Rare diagnoses
- Inflammatory conditions (e.g., pancreatitis, hepatitis): Certain inflammatory conditions can cause hiccup episodes due to nerve irritation.
- Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, hypocalcemia): Electrolyte imbalances or other metabolic issues can affect nerve function, leading to hiccups.
- Sarcoidosis: This rare autoimmune disorder can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the nerves controlling breathing, leading to hiccups.