Persistent Hiccups and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Seeking Solutions

Frequent belching?

Hello Doctor, I started having a cold around mid-April, and after two weeks, I was still coughing, so I went for an X-ray.
The doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis.
After taking medication for another two weeks, I began to experience persistent hiccups and occasional nausea.
I then visited a gastroenterology clinic, but the gastroenterologist was unavailable, so I saw a pulmonologist instead.
He ordered another X-ray and diagnosed me with pneumonia, stating that I was on the mend.
I mentioned the hiccups to him, and he added some medications for my stomach.
After taking those for two weeks, my cough improved, but the hiccups persisted, and I felt a constant pressure from my chest to my throat, which was very uncomfortable if not released.
Later, I returned to the gastroenterologist, who changed my medications twice, but there was no significant improvement.
After an endoscopy, the doctor said I only had excessive stomach acid and prescribed a moderate antacid along with some gastrointestinal medications.
I have been on these for over a month now, but my condition remains inconsistent and quite distressing.
During this time, my bowel movements have often been very hard.
Previously, I would never have blood in my stool, but recently, any hard stool results in a significant amount of blood.
About a year and a half ago, I had a colonoscopy, and the doctor found a polyp and some internal hemorrhoids, which were removed.
Could you please advise me on how to proceed if there is no improvement? Is it possible that there are other underlying conditions? Should I continue taking the remaining two months of medication? Additionally, I used to take cold medicine and was concerned that capsule medications might get stuck in my throat, so I would drink over 500cc of water forcefully.
Could this harm my stomach? Also, when I wake up in the morning after sleeping on my right side, I experience some pain in the middle of my chest for a while.
Thank you for your guidance!

Xu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/10

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, sir.

1.
Please follow the physician's medication regimen and monitoring.
2.
When taking medication, drink water, but it is not necessary to consume 500cc.
3.
Bleeding from hard stools is often due to internal hemorrhoidal bleeding; medical treatment is sufficient.
4.
Avoid sweet and sour foods.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Chen Shih-Dian

Reply Date: 2016/08/10

More Info

Persistent hiccups and gastrointestinal discomfort can be quite distressing, especially when they linger despite treatment. Based on your description, it seems that your symptoms began after a respiratory infection, which may have contributed to your current gastrointestinal issues. Let's break down your situation and explore potential solutions.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that hiccups can sometimes be linked to gastrointestinal problems. They can occur due to irritation of the diaphragm, which can be caused by excessive gas, acid reflux, or even anxiety. In your case, the persistent hiccups following your bronchitis and the subsequent gastrointestinal discomfort suggest a possible connection between your respiratory and digestive systems.

You mentioned that after being treated for bronchitis, you started experiencing hiccups and nausea. The medications prescribed by your doctors, including antacids and gastrointestinal drugs, were intended to alleviate symptoms related to excess stomach acid. However, if you've been on these medications for over a month without significant improvement, it may be time to reassess your treatment plan.

The presence of hard stools and blood in your stool is concerning and should not be overlooked. While you have a history of polyps that were removed, any new occurrence of blood in your stool warrants further investigation. It is crucial to communicate this symptom to your healthcare provider, as it may indicate a need for additional diagnostic procedures, such as a follow-up colonoscopy or imaging studies, to rule out any complications.

Regarding your question about whether to continue taking the remaining medications, it is advisable to discuss this with your doctor. If your symptoms have not improved, your doctor may consider adjusting your treatment or exploring alternative therapies. It is essential to follow your physician's guidance, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and current condition.

As for your concern about taking medications with a large amount of water, generally, drinking a sufficient amount of water to help swallow pills is advisable. However, if you are experiencing discomfort in your chest or throat, it may be worth discussing with your doctor. They can assess whether your swallowing technique or the type of medication you are taking could be contributing to your discomfort.

Lastly, waking up with chest pain, especially if it occurs consistently, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It could be related to gastrointestinal reflux, muscle strain, or other underlying conditions. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, stress management techniques, or further diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

In conclusion, persistent hiccups and gastrointestinal discomfort can be multifactorial, and it is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying causes and appropriate treatments. Keep track of your symptoms, communicate openly with your doctor, and do not hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed. Your health and well-being are paramount, and a collaborative approach with your healthcare team will help you find relief.

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