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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

While you may initially consult your family physician about your persistent hiccups, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in neurological or gastrointestinal disorders.

What you can do
You may want to write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
  • Information about medical problems you've had
  • Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
  • All the medications and dietary supplements you take
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask:

  • When did your hiccups start?
  • How often do they occur?
  • Is there anything that worsens or alleviates them?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Have you had a sore throat or earache?
References
  1. Bilotta F, et al. Hiccups. In: Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4377-0986-5..C2009-0-38984-9--TOP&isbn=978-1-4377-0986-5&about=true&uniqId=236797353-5. Accessed April 13, 2011.
  2. Smith HS. Hiccups. In: Walsh D. Palliative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05674-8..50167-5&isbn=978-0-323-05674-8&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05674-8..50167-5&uniqId=239212396-6. Accessed April 13, 2011.
  3. Lembo AJ. Overview of hiccups. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 13, 2011.
DS00975 June 3, 2011

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