Differential Diagnosis for 2 Weeks of Hiccups
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is often considered the most common cause of persistent hiccups, as stomach acid can irritate the nerves that control breathing, leading to hiccup spasms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastritis or esophagitis: Inflammation of the stomach or esophagus can irritate the nerves and cause hiccups.
- Laryngitis or pharyngitis: Inflammation of the larynx or pharynx can affect the nerves controlling the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.
- Pneumonia or other respiratory infections: Infections in the lungs can irritate the nerves and cause hiccups.
- Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress can stimulate the nerves that control breathing, leading to hiccups.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can put pressure on the nerves and cause hiccups. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Myocardial infarction: In some cases, hiccups can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially in women.
- Stroke or brain tumor: Rarely, hiccups can be a symptom of a stroke or brain tumor that affects the brain's breathing centers.
- Medication side effect: Certain medications, such as anesthetics, steroids, or benzodiazepines, can cause hiccups as a side effect.
Rare Diagnoses
- Multiple sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can affect the nerves that control breathing, leading to hiccups.
- Sarcoidosis: This inflammatory disease can affect the nerves and cause hiccups.
- Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels in the blood can affect the nerves and cause hiccups.
- Intra-abdominal or intrathoracic malignancies: Rarely, hiccups can be a symptom of a tumor in the abdomen or chest that puts pressure on the nerves.