Hiccup is a forceful, involuntary inspiration commonly experienced by
fetuses, children and adults. Its purpose is unknown and its pathophys
iology still poorly understood. Short hiccup bouts are mostly associat
ed with gastric distention or alcohol intake, resolve spontaneously or
with simple folk remedies and do not require medical attention. In co
ntrast, prolonged hiccup is a rare but disabling condition which can i
nduce depression, weight loss and sleep deprivation. A wide variety of
pathological conditions can cause chronic hiccup: myocardial infarcti
on, brain tumour, renal failure, prostate cancer, abdominal surgery et
c. Detailed medical history and physical examinations will often guide
diagnostic investigations (abdominal ultrasound, chest or brain CT sc
an ... ). Gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, oesophageal reflux a
nd oesophagitis are commonly observed In chronic hiccup patients and u
pper gastrointestinal investigations (endoscopy, pH monitoring and man
ometry) should be included in the diagnostic evaluation systematically
. Etiological treatment is not always available and chronic hiccup tre
atment has classically relied on metoclopramide and chlorpromazine. Re
cently, baclofen (LIORESAL) has emerged as a safe and often effective
treatment.