Summary
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 concidental rather than having a cause-and-effect relationship.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Gluck M, Pope CE: Chronic hiccups and gastroesophageal reflux disease: the acid perfusion tests as a provocative maneuver. Ann Intern Med 105:219–220, 1986
Shay SS, Myers RL, Johnson LF: Hiccups associated with reflux esophagitis. Gastroenterology 87:204–207, 1984
Graham DY: Esophageal motor abnormality during hiccup. Gastroenterology 90:2039, 1986
Lipsky MS: Chronic hiccups. Am Fam Physician 34:173–177, 1986
Williamson WA, MacIntyre IMC: The management of intractable hiccup. Br Med J 2:501–503, 1977
Davis JN: An experimental study of hiccup. Brain 93:851–872, 1970
Mittal RK, Rochester DF, McCallum RW: Electrical and mechanical activity in the human lower esophageal sphincter during diaphragmatic contraction. J Clin Invest 81:1182–1189, 1988
Mittal RK, Rochester DF, McCallum RW: Effect of the diaphragmatic contraction on lower esophageal sphincter pressure in man. Gut 28:1564–1568, 1987
Guyot J: Therapieresistenter Singultus und Refluxosophagitis. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 111:314–315, 1986
Seibert DS, Al-Kawas F: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxizole, hiccups and esophageal ulcers. Ann Intern Med 105:976, 1986
Eckardt VF: Does healing of esophagitis improve esophageal motor function? Dig Dis Sci 33:161–165, 1988
Allen ML, McIntosh DL, Robinson MG: Healing or amelioration of esophagitis does not result in increased lower esophageal sphincter or esophageal contractile pressure. Am J Gastroenterol 83:1017, 1988 (abstract)
Dodds WJ, Hogan WJ, Helm J: Pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis. Gastroenterology 81:376–394, 1981
Eastwood GL, Castell DO, Higgs RH: Experimental esophagitis in cats impairs lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Gastroenterology 71:51–57, 1976
Sinar DR, Fletcher JR, Cordova CC, Eastwood GL, Castell DO: Acute acid-induced esophagitis impairs esophageal peristalsis in baboons. Gastroenterology 80:1286, 1981 (abstract)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fisher, M.J., Mittal, R.K. Hiccups and gastroesophageal reflux: Cause and effect?. Digest Dis Sci 34, 1277–1280 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537278
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537278