What Causes Hiccups in Cancer Patients

Overview

Sometimes, we get hiccups without knowing the exact reason why.

It can happen when we eat or drink too quickly, overeat, or consume alcohol. While hiccups are not a common problem for people with cancer, they can still occur for various reasons.

Hiccups usually go away on their own, but if they persist for a couple of days and become hard to manage, it’s important to inform your doctor. They might recommend treatment or suggest ways to alleviate the hiccups.

Although hiccups are not commonly associated with cancer, they can be exhausting and challenging to deal with for cancer patients.

Why Have We Got Hiccups?

Hiccups can occur when your diaphragm muscle suddenly spasms, causing a disruption in your normal breathing pattern.

These spasms are involuntary and hiccups typically go away on their own. However, when hiccups are associated with cancer or its treatment, they can last longer and become more challenging to manage.

The diaphragm is a curved muscle located beneath your ribcage, which plays a role in helping you breathe.

It contracts and moves downward when you inhale, allowing air to enter your lungs. When you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward.

During a hiccup, two things happen:

The diaphragm contracts abruptly between breaths, causing a quick inhalation.
Immediately after, the top of the windpipe (trachea) briefly closes to prevent more air from entering, creating the “hic” sound.

Causes of Hiccups

Hiccups can happen, but we’re not exactly sure why. They might occur when the nerve that controls the diaphragm (a muscle involved in breathing) gets irritated.

Here are some things that can trigger hiccups:

Causes of Hiccups | How to Stop |

Eating and drinking too quickly, especially when gulping fizzy drinks.
Overeating.
Experiencing heartburn.
Feeling stressed.
Sudden changes in air temperature.
Stretching your neck too much.
Taking certain medications for anxiety (like benzodiazepines).
Consuming alcohol.

If you have cancer, hiccups can also be caused by:

Stomach problems, such as it not working properly and becoming bloated.
Infections affecting your chest or food pipe (oesophagus).
Undergoing chemotherapy, taking steroids, or using strong painkillers like morphine.
The cancer putting pressure on your diaphragm.
Having symptoms related to a brain tumor.
Abnormal kidney function leading to changes in your blood chemistry.
High levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).

Simple Remedies to Try for Mild Hiccups

When experiencing hiccups, many people find that they go away on their own or can be relieved by attempting the following:

Gargling or sipping on ice water.
Eating a small piece of dry bread slowly.
Drinking water from the far side of a glass (you may need to bend over to do this).
Taking a deep breath, holding it for as long as possible, and repeating this several times.
Sucking on a lemon.
Consuming peppermint water.
Bringing your knees up to your chest.
Breathing in and out of a paper bag (never use a plastic bag and limit this practice to no more than 1 minute).

These suggestions may provide relief for mild cases of hiccups. However, if hiccups persist or become bothersome, it is advisable to seek further medical advice.

Treating Persistent Hiccups

If hiccups persist for more than a couple of days, medical treatment may be necessary. Your doctor will investigate the underlying cause of your hiccups and address it accordingly.

For instance, they may modify your medication regimen if a specific drug is triggering the hiccups.

In some cases, direct treatment for hiccups may be pursued. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications, such as:

Metoclopramide (Maxolon), an anti-sickness drug.
Mild sedatives like haloperidol or chlorpromazine.
Muscle relaxants such as baclofen.
Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole.

Initially, your doctor will administer one medication for a brief period to assess its effectiveness in stopping the hiccups.

If the hiccups resume, they may try a different medication or a combination of drugs until the hiccups are completely resolved.

FAQs

What helps hiccups in cancer patients?

Your doctors are the best resource to provide treatment for hiccups based on your specific condition.

Common medications used to treat hiccups in cancer patients include the anti-sickness drug metoclopramide (Maxolon) and sedatives like haloperidol or chlorpromazine.

What causes hiccups in cancer patients?

Hiccups in cancer patients are often caused by irritation of the nerve controlling the diaphragm.

Certain chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment or other medications such as steroids, antibiotics, or anti-nausea medicines can contribute to hiccups.

Which medicine is best for hiccups?

Medications that are often effective in treating persistent hiccups include baclofen, metoclopramide, and chlorpromazine.

Can hiccups be a side effect of chemo?

Yes, hiccups can be a side effect of chemotherapy. In some cases, intractable hiccups can significantly impact a person’s daily activities and quality of life.

What can be taken to stop hiccups?

Here are some tips that may help stop hiccups: drink water quickly, have someone startle you, gargle with water, bite on a lemon, pull hard on your tongue, or use smelling salts.

What drugs can cause hiccups?

Several drugs can trigger hiccups, including barbiturates, antibiotics (such as azithromycin), phenothiazines (like perphenazine), opioids (such as hydrocodone), alcohol, benzodiazepines, and steroids.

Can hiccups be a sign of something serious?

Hiccups can sometimes be a sign of an underlying serious condition. If hiccups persist for more than 48 hours or significantly affect eating, sleeping, or breathing, it is important to see a doctor.

Are hiccups a sign of death?

Hiccups can occur in individuals nearing death, particularly if they have an underlying health condition or are taking specific medications. In severe illness, hiccups can be a complication due to the effects of treatment medication.

Why does sugar stop hiccups?

Sugar is a distraction technique that can be effective for mild hiccups. Taking a spoonful of sugar or stimulating the roof of the mouth or ears can overload the vagus nerve endings and help alleviate hiccups.

Do hiccups go away when you sleep?

Yes, hiccups often subside when you fall asleep.

Pooja Dudeja

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Immunological Effects Of Histotripsy for Cancer Therapy

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Histotripsy: A Revolution in Precise Tissue Ablation

Histotripsy has emerged as a beacon of innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of medical technology. It promises a future where precise tissue ablation can be achieved without the invasiveness of traditional surgical methods. But what makes histotripsy stand out? The answer lies in its unique mechanism of action, which harnesses the power of ultrasound to mechanically disrupt tissue structures. This article delves deep into the mechanism of histotripsy and how it paves the way for precise tissue ablation, especially in the realm of cancer treatment. What is Histotripsy? Histotripsy, a groundbreaking medical technique, is rapidly gaining traction in the healthcare sector due to its potential to revolutionise tissue ablation procedures. The term “histotripsy” is derived from the Greek words “histo,” meaning tissue, and “tripsy,” meaning to break. Histotripsy is a non-invasive approach to tissue disruption, and its unique mechanism of action sets it apart from any other innovations. . The concept of histotripsy was first introduced at the University of Michigan in 2004. Since its inception, the technique has undergone significant advancements, with researchers continually exploring its potential applications and refining its methodology. The term itself encapsulates the essence of the procedure: a method to break down soft tissue. How does Histotripsy work? The Fundamental Mechanism: Cavitation Cavitation, a phenomenon central to histotripsy, refers to the formation, growth, and subsequent collapse of gas or vapour-filled bubbles within a liquid medium when subjected to rapid pressure changes. In the context of histotripsy, the human body’s tissue serves as this liquid medium, and high-intensity, short-duration ultrasound pulses induce the rapid pressure changes. When tissues are exposed to these potent ultrasound pulses, the alternating high and low pressures lead to the creation of minuscule bubbles or cavities. These bubbles might initially form around pre-existing gas pockets or microscopic impurities within the tissue. As the ultrasound pulses persist, these bubbles expand due to the negative pressure phases of the ultrasound wave. Bubble Dynamics: The Heart of Tissue Disruption The true essence of histotripsy is realised during the bubble collapse phase. Following the negative phase, the positive pressure phase of the ultrasound wave causes the expanded bubbles to undergo a swift and violent implosion. This rapid collapse generates potent local shock waves and produces high-velocity liquid jets. These intense mechanical forces, stemming from both the shock waves and the jets, act upon the surrounding tissue. The outcome is a mechanical breakdown of the tissue at a cellular level, resulting in the tissue being fractionated into a liquefied form. This liquid consists of a homogenised blend of cell debris and the extracellular matrix. How does Histotripsy achieve precision in action? In the realm of medical interventions, precision is paramount. The ability to target specific tissues or cells without affecting the surrounding structures can be the difference between successful treatment and unintended complications. Histotripsy, with its groundbreaking approach to tissue ablation, exemplifies this principle of precision in action. Let’s delve deeper into how histotripsy achieves such unparalleled accuracy. Histotripsy employs high-intensity ultrasound pulses to induce cavitation within the targeted tissue. The beauty of this technique lies in the ability to focus these ultrasound beams to a specific point, known as the focal zone. Within this focal zone, the energy of the ultrasound waves is concentrated, ensuring that the cavitation-induced tissue disruption occurs primarily within this localised area. This means that only the tissue within the focal zone is affected, while the surrounding structures remain untouched. One of the standout features that bolster histotripsy’s precision is the integration of real-time imaging. As the ultrasound waves are administered, they not only induce cavitation but also provide a live visual feed of the treatment area. This dual capability allows clinicians to monitor the formation and collapse of bubbles in real-time. Such immediate feedback ensures that the treatment is progressing as intended and allows for on-the-fly adjustments. If, for instance, the bubbles are not forming in the desired location or pattern, the clinician can instantly modify the parameters to achieve the desired effect. The precision of histotripsy can be likened to the accuracy of a surgeon’s scalpel, but without the invasiveness of a blade. The controlled generation and collapse of microbubbles ensure that only the targeted cells or tissues are disrupted. This selectivity is especially crucial when treating tumours or lesions located close to vital organs or critical structures. For example, when targeting a tumour adjacent to a major blood vessel, the precision of histotripsy ensures that the vessel remains unharmed, reducing the risk of bleeding or other complications. In many medical treatments, especially those involving radiation or surgery, there’s always a concern about collateral damage to healthy tissues. Histotripsy’s precision minimises this risk. By confining the tissue disruption to the focal zone, histotripsy ensures that the surrounding healthy tissues are spared. This not only enhances the safety profile of the treatment but also promotes faster healing and recovery. What sets Histotripsy apart from other cancer treatments? Histotripsy’s distinctive non-thermal approach to tissue ablation offers a fresh perspective in the realm of medical interventions. While many therapeutic ultrasound techniques, such as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), rely on generating heat to achieve therapeutic effects, histotripsy stands apart. Traditional methods work by raising the temperature of the targeted tissue to a point where cellular proteins denature, leading to cell death. Although effective, this thermal approach has inherent risks. Elevated temperatures can inadvertently damage surrounding healthy tissues, especially if the heat spreads beyond the targeted area. Moreover, tissues sensitive to heat, like neural tissues, can be at risk of unintended damage. In contrast, histotripsy operates on a fundamentally different principle. Instead of using heat, it employs mechanical forces to achieve tissue disruption. This is achieved through the controlled generation and violent collapse of microbubbles within the tissue, a process known as cavitation. The implosive collapse of these bubbles generates intense local shock waves and produces high-speed liquid jets. These forces act on the tissue, leading to mechanical breakdown at the cellular level without the need for heat. The non-thermal nature of histotripsy offers