Hiccups: Information for patients and carers

Hiccups are an irritating symptom and can be painful and disturb sleep

These techniques are recommended during a bout of hiccups:

  • Breath holding
  • The Valsalva manoeuvre:
    • Inhale deeply and then hold your breath
    • Imagine that the chest and stomach muscles are very tight and bear down as though straining to initiate a bowel movement
    • Hold this position for a short time, usually about 10 seconds
  • Breathing into a paper bag
  • Sipping iced water
  • Compressing the diaphragm by pulling the knees up to the chest
  • Swallowing water while closing the nose

Other non drug measures:

  • Pharyngeal stimulation / palatal massage- Rub the back of your palate with your index finger - as far back as possible without causing gagging. This is often effective at least temporarily

When to seek medical help

If your hiccups persist for more than 48 hours you can ask your doctor as there are specific medicines that may help.

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24 hour Helpline Pall24 for North Brent and Harrow
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24 hour Helpline Pall24 for North Brent and Harrow

T. 03000 200 224

This service was formerly known as Single Point of Access (SPA)

This is a 24 hour 7 days a week helpline providing advice for patients, families and professionals, hosted by St Luke's Hospice for residents of Harrow and North Brent.

Urgent rapid response visits can be made to patients registered with a Harrow GP

 

Harrow Community Palliative Care
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Harrow Community Palliative Care

T. 020 8102 6163

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They can be contacted Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

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Out of Hours the Pall24 Helpline can be used 3000 200 224

Referral form for clinician use only.

Community Specialist Palliative Care Referral Form V4.1 (DOCX)

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31st October 2024

Hiccups: Information for clinicians

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