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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe characteristic sound of a hiccup, sometimes preceded by a slight tightening sensation in your chest, abdomen or throat, are the only signs and symptoms associated with hiccups. The number of hiccups a minute typically ranges between four and 60.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment to see your doctor if your hiccups last more than 48 hours or if they are so severe that they cause problems with eating or breathing.
- Pollack MJ. Hiccups. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126185871-3/816916385/1621/10.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4435-2..50006-6_54. Accessed March 16, 2009.
- Fishman MB. Overview of hiccups. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 18, 2007.
- Noble J. Hiccup. In: Noble J, et al. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2001. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126410452-3/817465929/959/142.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-00828-3..50028-5_565. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Syndromes of inappropriate respiratory muscle contraction. In: Mason RJ, et al. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126411821-5/817480731/1288/752.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-0327-0..50085-9--cesec97_4678. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed March 17, 2009.
- Dahlin C. Management of symptoms other than pain. Anesthesiology Clinics of North America. 2006;24:39.
- Schachter SC, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 17, 2009.
