Evaluation and Management of Hiccups
Initial Evaluation
Begin by determining the duration and identifying potential underlying causes through targeted assessment of the hiccup reflex arc, which involves peripheral phrenic, vagal, and sympathetic pathways with central midbrain modulation. 1
Duration Classification
- Acute hiccups: Less than 48 hours (usually self-limited) 2
- Persistent hiccups: 48 hours to 2 months 1
- Intractable hiccups: Greater than 2 months 1
Focused Diagnostic Assessment
Central Nervous System Causes:
Peripheral Causes:
- Thoracic/Cardiac: Pericardial effusion compressing the phrenic nerve (look for local compression symptoms), myocardial ischemia 3, 1
- Gastrointestinal: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric overdistension, gastritis 2
- Other: Tumors along the reflex arc, herpes infection, instrumentation 1
Imaging When Indicated:
- Obtain chest X-ray and echocardiography if pericardial or thoracic pathology is suspected 3
Clinical Consequences of Untreated Persistent Hiccups
- Weight loss and depression can develop if persistent hiccups remain untreated 3
Management Algorithm
Step 1: Acute Hiccups (< 48 hours)
Physical maneuvers that stimulate the vagus nerve should be attempted first, such as Larson's maneuver, breath-holding techniques, or measures that stimulate the uvula/pharynx 4, 5
Step 2: Persistent Hiccups - Treat Underlying Cause
If GERD is suspected as the cause:
- Initiate high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy with response time variable from 2 weeks to several months 3
- Implement antireflux diet and lifestyle modifications concurrently 3
- Add prokinetic therapy (metoclopramide) if partial or no improvement occurs 3
- Consider 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring if empiric therapy is unsuccessful 3
For perioperative hiccups:
- Propofol (1-2 mg/kg IV) can be considered during anesthesia or in the perioperative period, ensuring proper depth of anesthesia before airway manipulation 4
Step 3: Pharmacological Treatment for Persistent/Intractable Hiccups
First-Line Agent: Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine is FDA-approved for intractable hiccups 6
- Dosing: 25-50 mg three to four times daily orally 6
- If symptoms persist for 2-3 days, parenteral therapy is indicated 6
- Critical caveat: Chlorpromazine can cause hypotension, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms, and QT interval prolongation 3
- Use lower doses in elderly, emaciated, and debilitated patients who are more susceptible to hypotension and neuromuscular reactions 6
Second-Line Agents:
- Metoclopramide: Recommended as second-line agent and considered the first choice for peripheral causes of hiccups 3, 7
- Baclofen: Drug of choice for central causes of persistent hiccups 7
Alternative Considerations:
- Gabapentin, serotonergic agonists, and lidocaine have been reported effective 1
- Midazolam may be useful in cases of terminal illness 7
Step 4: Refractory Cases
For patients refractory to medications, consider interventional procedures such as:
Treatment Approach Based on Etiology
The key distinction is between central versus peripheral causes, as they respond differently to pharmacological intervention:
- Central causes (stroke, brain tumors, TBI): Use baclofen as first-line 7
- Peripheral causes (GERD, phrenic nerve irritation): Use metoclopramide as first-line 7
- Unknown etiology: Start with chlorpromazine given its FDA approval and broader efficacy 6
Common Pitfalls
- Failing to recognize that persistent hiccups may indicate serious underlying pathology requiring thorough evaluation 2
- Not considering pericardial effusion when hiccups present with other compression symptoms 3
- Overlooking GERD as a treatable cause before initiating pharmacotherapy 3
- Using standard doses of chlorpromazine in elderly patients without dose adjustment 6
- Not monitoring for chlorpromazine's significant adverse effects, particularly QT prolongation 3