Hiccups and gastroesophageal reflux: cause and effect?

Abstract

Chronic hiccups may be a problem of great significance to the affected patient. A 62-year-old man with severe heartburn and persistent hiccups despite numerous diagnostic tests and therapeutic drug trials presented to our clinic. Esophageal motility and intraluminal pH studies demonstrated decreases in intraesophageal pressure during hiccups and acid exposure during 68% of the measured time. The patient underwent Nissen fundoplication, which improved his heartburn but not his hiccups. The association between gastroesophageal reflux and hiccups is discussed. Our experience suggests that the presence of hiccups and gastroesophageal reflux in the same patient may be coincidental rather than having a cause-and-effect relationship.

• Authors: M J Fisher, R K Mittal
• Journal: Digestive diseases and sciences (Dig Dis Sci) Vol. 34 Issue 8 Pg. 1277-80 (Aug 1989) ISSN: 0163-2116 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2752874 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Chronic Disease
• Esophagus (physiopathology)
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (complications, physiopathology, therapy)
• Hiccup (complications, physiopathology, therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged