Persistent hiccups — what they are and what to do

Hiccups are annoying. Most stop in a few minutes, but if they last more than 48 hours you have a problem called persistent hiccups. They can wreck sleep, make eating hard, and even cause weight loss. This page explains common causes, quick fixes you can try at home, and real medical options so you know when to see a doctor.

Why hiccups keep going

Hiccups come from sudden spasms of the diaphragm triggered by the phrenic or vagus nerves. When hiccups persist, look for an underlying cause: irritation from acid reflux, a sore throat, or a foreign object; central nervous system issues like stroke or tumors; metabolic imbalances such as low electrolytes or kidney problems; or medications. Some drugs — including certain chemotherapy agents, steroids, and heart medicines like amiodarone (Cordarone) — are known to trigger ongoing hiccups.

If you take prescription meds and start having long hiccups, mention it to your doctor. On this site we cover drugs like Cordarone and Baclofen — Baclofen is one of the medicines doctors often try for persistent hiccups.

What to try now, and when to get help

Try simple tricks first: hold your breath for 10–20 seconds, swallow a teaspoon of sugar, sip very cold water, or perform a gentle Valsalva maneuver (pinch your nose and blow softly). These often stop short bouts. If hiccups keep returning or last past 48 hours, see a clinician. Seek urgent care sooner if you have trouble breathing, severe chest pain, confusion, vomiting, or sudden weight loss.

For persistent cases, doctors follow a stepwise approach. They’ll check for reflux, infections, metabolic causes, and medication side effects. If tests don’t find a clear cause, treatment targets the reflex itself. Chlorpromazine is the only drug approved specifically for hiccups and often helps. Other common options are baclofen (a muscle relaxant), gabapentin (a nerve medication), and metoclopramide (anti-nausea). Each drug has side effects — drowsiness, dizziness, or movement issues — so you need a medical check and dose plan.

If medicines fail, procedures exist. Local nerve blocks, phrenic nerve stimulation, or surgery are rare but can help in severe, long-term cases. These are done by specialists and discussed only after careful testing.

Looking for more info on meds? Read our Baclofen and Phenergan articles to learn about uses, doses, and safety. If you’re buying meds online, check guides on safe pharmacy shopping so you don’t end up with the wrong product or dose.

Bottom line: short hiccups are harmless and annoying. If they last over 48 hours or interfere with life, don’t wait. A doctor can find causes and recommend proven treatments that stop the cycle and get you back to normal.