Belching and Hiccups

Dashboard

Symptoms

Belching and Hiccups

BELCHING AND HICCUPS
These symptoms are common in most people, but during hospice care they can become persistent and
bothersome

Possible reasons
Gas producing foods (onions, garlic, beans), soda/carbonated drinks
Anxiety causing increase in swallowed air
Heartburn, regurgitation
Slow emptying of stomach
Medication side effect

What can help?

Decrease aggravating foods, sodas

Elevate head of bed

Gas-X (Simethicone)

Avoid large meals, try smaller more frequent

Over the counter Antiacids – TUMS/Gaviscon

For Hiccups, HiccAway Straw (hiccaway.com). Effective easy to use drinking cup
(less than $15)

Medications
Acid lowering medications for heartburn – Prilosec, Pepcid, Tums/Rolaids/Gaviscon
Anxiety medication provided by Hospice Team (Anxiety Meds)
There are additional prescription strength medications that can help – ask Hospice Team
Discuss with Hospice Team if there are medications that may be contributing to these
symptoms

When to Call the Hospice
Uncontrolled, persistent hiccups lasting more than hour
Pain associated with excess belching or hiccups
Vomiting not relieved with nausea medications