10 Causes of Hiccups
Cause #2: Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia is hernia of the abdominal organs where it has slipped through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. This can result in gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux. Patients may experience a bad taste in the mouth, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and more.
Hiatal hernia is most common among those who are more advanced in age and obese. Symptoms may improve by raising the head of the bed, adjusting eating habits, and weight loss. Medications that may help include proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. Hiatal hernias have also been reported as a cause of chronic hiccups.
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