Hiccups appear suddenly as an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, resulting in convulsive gasps and "hic" sounds. The minor inconvenience usually lasts for a matter of minutes, though hiccups can also go on for hours. Medical attention becomes necessary when the problem persists for more than 48 hours, according to Medical News Today. Doctors describe long-lasting hiccups as persistent, which last no more than a month, or intractable, which go on for more than a month.
Folk Remedies
A variety of remedies may work for different people. Breathing into a paper bag may increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood. The technique aims at decreasing the sensitivity of nerves from the brain to the diaphragm, according to HealthScout. Holding one's breath or slowly sipping a glass of water without pausing may also increase carbon dioxide levels. Some people recommend pulling on the tongue, pressing the roof of the mouth with the index finger, having someone put strong pressure on the collarbones, or sitting down and leaning forward to compress the chest and the diaphragm against the knees. Other procedures include biting on a lemon, tasting a teaspoon of vinegar or honey, and swallowing a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
Diagnosis
If hiccups persist for days, doctors may run tests to determine possible underlying causes. Blood tests check for infections, kidney disease or diabetes; imaging tests such as X-rays or scanning may find problems with the nerves or diaphragm; and endoscopic tests -- doctors insert a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera into the throat -- check for difficulties in the esophagus.
Medication
Doctors may prescribe drugs to treat long-term hiccups. Medications may include baclofen, a muscle relaxant, or metoclopramide, an antinausea drug, MayoClinic.com explains. Chlorpromazine, a strong antipsychotic medication, may benefit some patients. Medication may work within a week for some people, or take months for others.
Surgery
Surgical procedures may work for particular conditions. For patients with a swollen stomach, doctors may insert a long, thin, flexible tube through the nose and into the stomach with the hope of ending the hiccups. Another method uses an injection of an anesthetic to block nerves to the diaphragm. Nerve stimulation applies mild electrical stimulation of nerves from the brain to the diaphragm with a battery-powered instrument. The stimulation technique helps treat epilepsy and may also help control chronic hiccups, according to MayoClinic.com.
