Hiccups: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if hiccups occur with trouble breathing, chest pressure or pain, facial drooping, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, or a sudden severe headache.

   These symptoms matter more than the hiccups themselves and may signal a medical emergency.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical advice if hiccups prevent you from eating, drinking, or sleeping.

   Repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, or severe exhaustion also need prompt attention.

   Signs of dehydration include a very dry mouth, dark urine, urinating much less than usual, or feeling faint.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Book a routine medical appointment if your hiccups last longer than 48 hours, keep returning, or are becoming more frequent.

   You should also arrange an assessment if they began after starting a medicine or are accompanied by ongoing heartburn, coughing, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hiccups. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.