Most hiccups are intermittent and self-limited. The inciting cause can often be identified by the preceding events.
Acute distention of the stomach while eating:
(1) overeating
(2) eating too fast
Acute distention of the stomach by air or gas:
(1) drinking carbonated beverages
(2) aerophagia (may occur while eating and talking at the same time)
(3) air insufflation during gastroscopy
Sudden change in temperature:
(1) taking a cold shower
(2) entering or leaving a hot or cold room
(3) drinking very hot or very cold food or beverages
Vices:
(1) alcohol ingestion
(2) excessive smoking (may be related to emotional stress or excitement, vs toxic effects of nicotine)
Emotional stress or excitement (may be related to aerophagia)
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Specialty: Gastroenterology
