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 to consider medication

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24 hour Advice Line Michael Sobell Hospice
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24 hour Advice Line Michael Sobell Hospice

T. 0203 824 1268

Offers support and advice on palliative care issues to GPs, Care Homes, District Nurses and hospital doctors.

It is also an Advice Line for patients and families who live in Hillingdon and need advice on any aspect of palliative care. 

The Advice Line is answered by hospice nurses in the Inpatient Unit and queries are escalated to the on-call palliative medical team if needed.

Hillingdon Community Palliative Care Team
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Hillingdon Palliative Care Team (hosted by NHS CNWL) provides specialist advice and visiting to palliative care patients living in Hillingdon. Each GP practice has their own named Clinical Nurse Specialist ( CNS ). A Triage CNS manages calls and referrals each day and they have the option to escalate to consultants if needed.

They can be contacted Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays.

Out of hours phone Michael Sobell Hospice 24 hour Advice Line on 020 3824 1268

Referral form for clinician use only.

Community Specialist Palliative Care Referral Form V4 (DOCX)

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15th February 2023

Hiccups: Information for clinicians

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