Nakechand Pooran1, David Lee, Kostas Sideridis. 1. Division of Gastroenterology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, NY 11040, USA. boraalan@aol.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hiccups although a common annoyance of life, have been linked with significant morbidity and even death. There are numerous causes of prolonged hiccups, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Hiccups are reported to represent an atypical manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. CASES: We report 4 cases of prolonged hiccups in patients who failed to respond to initial treatment with abortive neurologic medications and who subsequently improved on proton-pump inhibitors. Endoscopic examination revealed severe reflux esophagitis. CONCLUSION: Hiccups are an atypical manifestation and may represent a more severe course of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
BACKGROUND:Hiccups although a common annoyance of life, have been linked with significant morbidity and even death. There are numerous causes of prolonged hiccups, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Hiccups are reported to represent an atypical manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. CASES: We report 4 cases of prolonged hiccups in patients who failed to respond to initial treatment with abortive neurologic medications and who subsequently improved on proton-pump inhibitors. Endoscopic examination revealed severe reflux esophagitis. CONCLUSION:Hiccups are an atypical manifestation and may represent a more severe course of gastroesophageal reflux disease.