Differential Diagnosis #3

[geekygecko.livejournal.com]

For the most part, hiccups are just a harmless annoyance that usually resolve on their own, or maybe with the help of a home remedy.

But sometimes they can be a symptom of some pretty serious conditions, and/or become so severe that they require medical treatment--even surgery.  And of course, since this is the sick_wilson community, that's exactly the sort of thing we're interested in.

So for today's DDX, we'd like for you to dazzle us with your mad Google-fu skillz, and tell us some cool stuff about hiccups, for example:

• When do they become serious enough to seek medical attention?


• What are some possible complications of long-term hiccups?


• How are chronic hiccups treated?


• What are some medical conditions for which hiccups can be a symptom?


• Or whatever info about hiccups tickles your sick!Wilson fancy!