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Hiccups (Singultus), Pediatric

Bethany Woomer, MD and Bradley J. Monash, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • The hiccup (or hiccough) is an onomatopoeic name stemming from the sound made by the abrupt glottic closure following involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Hiccups are typically discernible by their classic appearance.

  • Ascertain the onset, duration, potential triggers, and any adverse sequelae of hiccups.

  • Obtain a complete medical and surg...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treat the underlying cause if identified (e.g., discontinue potential culprit medication).

  • Physical maneuvers often serve as the 1st-line treatment for hiccups. Consider poten...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Frequency of follow-up depends on the underlying etiology of the hiccups.

  • Patients should be monitored for adverse effects of any medications trialed.

  • Successful in...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Becker D. Nausea, vomiting, and hiccups: a review of mechanisms and treatment. Anesth Prog.  2010;57(4):150–157. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Buyukhatipoglu H, Sezen Y, Yildi...

CODES

ICD9

  • 786.8 Hiccough

  • 306.1 Respiratory malfunction arising from mental factors

ICD10

  • R06.6 Hiccough

  • F45.8 Other somatoform disorders

SNOMED

  • 65958008 Hiccoughs (finding)

  • 191955009 Psychogenic hiccough

FAQ

  • Q: Why do we hiccup?

  • A: The true physiologic function is unknown, although hiccups have recently been postulated as a mechanism to remove air from the stomachs of young suckling mammals. Despite ex...

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