Tricks for intractable hiccups

 Q: Which 2 relatively non-pharmacologic tricks can work in intractable hiccups in the ICU?

Answer:

1. Give 2 ml Nebulised 0.9% saline over 5 minutes. It helps to relieve hiccups by pharyngeal stimulation.

2. Give Peppermint Water. Peppermint water helps by relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter.

#ICU-care

#GI

Reference:

1. Twycross R, Wilcock A. - Symptom Management in Advanced Cancer. 3rd Edt. Radcliffe Medical Press. 2008

2. Rouse S, Wodziak M. Intractable Hiccups. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2018 Jun 22;18(8):51. doi: 10.1007/s11910-018-0856-0. PMID: 29934880. 

3. Kishi Y, Nakawaga M, Inumaru A, Nambu M, Sakaguchi M, Murabata M, Matsuoka M, Kako J. Interventions for Hiccups in Adults: A Scoping Review of Western and Eastern Approaches. Palliat Med Rep. 2025 Apr 17;6(1):171-178. doi: 10.1089/pmr.2024.0109. PMID: 40308713; PMCID: PMC12040553.