Hiccups

Hello Meghan/Sadie

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear about your husband’s hiccups. Hiccups are caused by a sudden contraction or spasm of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large muscle under the lungs that contracts and flattens so that we breathe in and out.

Unfortunately, as your husband is experiencing, hiccups are a reflex action that we cannot control.

Hiccups can be caused by:

• a full (bloated) stomach
• irritation to the diaphragm
• an enlarged liver pressing against the stomach
• a change in the levels of certain chemicals in the blood
• some medicines.

The treatment for hiccups will depend on the cause, it is important that this is assessed either by his GP or his hospital team.

There are some medications that might help such as:

• anti-wind or antacid medicines
• some anti-sickness medicines
• drugs that relax the muscles
• steroids to treat hiccups caused by an enlarged liver or pressure on a nerve.

If medication is prescribed but not helping it is important to tell the doctor about this. They may want to increase the dose, try another drug, or refer him to a specialist.

There are some things he could try himself to relieve symptoms. These include:

• sipping iced water
• swallowing crushed ice
• drinking from the wrong (opposite) side of a cup
• swallowing a teaspoon of granulated sugar, unless diabetic or contraindicated.
• breathing into a paper bag, if he experiences dizziness or is lightheaded stop immediately
• holding your breath, to your husband’s comfort and if he experiences dizziness or is lightheaded stop immediately

We would always advise that he get in contact with his GP, hospital team or call NHS 111 to have his hiccups, or any other new or worsening symptoms, assessed urgently.

Hiccups can be uncomfortable, painful, and exhausting. It is so important that your husband has support in managing these as soon as possible.

Dealing with cancer can be a very emotional time and your husband might find it helpful to read our web pages about emotional support.

You sound like an amazing support, remember to look after you too. If you feel you would like to chat things through with one of the nurses then please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0808 808 0000, we are here every day from 8am to 8pm.

I hope this resolves for him soon and please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if we can be of further support.

Best wishes

Heidi

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref/ RH/HC