Belching and Hiccups

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

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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

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