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Hiccups explained

Persistent Hiccups: Causes, Tests and When to Get Help

2 min read · Published 29 October 2026

Written from the public health sources listed below. This article has not yet been reviewed by a clinician. See our editorial policy.

Hiccups are called persistent when they last more than 48 hours. They are uncommon, but they can interfere with eating, sleeping and breathing, and sometimes point to an underlying condition or a medicine effect, so they should be checked by a doctor.[1][2][3]

How Doctors Classify Hiccups

  • Short-term (acute): under 48 hours.
  • Persistent: more than 48 hours, up to one month.
  • Intractable: longer than a month.[1][3]

Chronic hiccups are rare, and men are affected more often than women.[4]

What Can Cause Hiccups That Last

The list is long, and sometimes no cause is ever found.[4] Examples named by health sources include:

  • Digestive conditions such as acid reflux and gastritis[5]
  • Nervous system conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis[5]
  • Chest and abdominal problems such as pneumonia, or irritation of the nerves that control the diaphragm[5][6]
  • Metabolic problems such as kidney-related conditions[5]
  • Infections such as flu or shingles[5]
  • Medicines, including some steroid, chemotherapy, epilepsy and anaesthetic drugs[5][7]
  • Recent surgery, especially under general anaesthesia[5]

This list is for information only. Having one of these does not mean it is the cause, and hiccups are not a way to diagnose yourself.

Why They Matter

Long-lasting hiccups can make it hard to eat, drink, sleep and speak, and may lead to tiredness, and in rare cases weight loss.[7][4] They can also be stressful and increase anxiety.[1]

What a Doctor May Do

  • Ask when they started, how often they happen, and what else you have noticed.
  • Review your medicines and health conditions.[8]
  • Examine you and, depending on the situation, arrange tests such as blood tests, imaging or an endoscopy.[1]
  • Treat an underlying cause if one is found. For stubborn cases, a doctor may prescribe medicine to help.[3][4]

Research on treatments for persistent hiccups is limited, which is one reason treatment is individual.[9] Do not start, change or stop any medicine yourself. If you think a prescription is involved, ask the prescriber.

Before Your Appointment

  • Note when the hiccups started and whether they continue during sleep.
  • List all medicines and supplements you take.
  • Note any recent surgery, illness, heartburn, pain, vomiting, weight change or breathing trouble.

Urgent Warning Signs

Seek urgent medical care for severe chest pain, significant difficulty breathing, fainting, or new neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, confusion, trouble speaking or a drooping face. Fever together with hiccups also needs prompt medical attention.[7][5]

For ordinary short hiccups, see how to stop hiccups.

Coming soon

Explore the Practical Hiccups Video Guide

The guide includes a one-page “when to seek medical help” reference, but it never replaces seeing a doctor.

Educational only. The guide does not replace medical advice or treatment.

See the Guide DetailsWatch the free animation

References

  1. Are hiccups dangerous? UPMC HealthBeat.
  2. Hiccups. NHS 111 Wales (content adapted from NHS UK).
  3. Hiccups. Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan Health.
  4. Hiccups, Chronic. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
  5. Hiccups. Cleveland Clinic.
  6. Hiccups. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  7. Hiccups. Healthdirect Australia.
  8. Hiccups. NI Direct (content adapted from the NHS website).
  9. Moretto EN, Wee B, Wiffen PJ, et al. Interventions for treating persistent and intractable hiccups in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013;(1):CD008768.

Medical disclaimer: this article is general information, not medical advice.