Q&A: Cancer patient – On going hiccups.?
Posted by: Alan in Stop Snoring Remedies, tags: Cancer, going, Hiccups, PatientQuestion by Ergerger Regre: Cancer patient – On going hiccups.?
My dad was diagnosed with primary liver cancer caused by hepatitis C a few months ago. He’s been going through chemoembolism treatments and recently just got back from his last one. He has constant on going hiccups. He’s asleep in the other room right now snoring and hiccuping at the end of each snore. He hiccups all day long. I can only imagine how annoying this is for him. I’m wondering if this is a common side effect of chemotherapy drugs or if this could be a sign of something serious. He also has 2 hernias. One directly on his belly button and the other a few inches below. I’ve read hernias can cause excessive hiccups in some cases. Any information is helpful.
Thanks
Best answer:
Answer by matador89
Ergerger,
The exact cause of hiccups is not known. It might happen if the nerve that controls the diaphragm (the phrenic nerve) is irritated. When hiccups are a symptom of cancer, or a side effect of cancer treatment, they can go on for longer. A few of the causes of hiccups, when connected to cancer/cancer treatment(s) include – The stomach stops working and becomes extended and bloated. There is an infection affecting the chest, or oesophagus. Having, or having had chemotherapy, steroids or an opiod painkiller such as morphine. The cancer is pressing on the diaphragm. Symptoms due to a brain tumour. There are changes in the blood chemistry. This may happen if the kidneys are not working normally or the patient has hypercalcaemia. You do not state the length of time that your father has suffered with hiccups, so I will discuss the different types. Some hiccups can last for more than a couple of days. Doctors call these ’persistent’ hiccups. If they last longer than a month, doctors call them ‘intractable’. If they last this long they can cause other problems, including – Weight loss. Difficulty in sleeping. Feeling sick. Embarrassment. Feeling low or depressed. People with persistent or intractable hiccups need medical treatment. First, the doctor will try to find out what is causing the hiccups. They may disappear by treating the cause, for example, changing the drugs that may be responsible for the hiccups. It is possible that the doctor will treat the hiccups directly. Drugs used for this may include the anti sickness drug metoclopramide (Maxolon). A sedative, such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine. A drug to relax the muscles such as baclofen. You would be advised to refer your concerns to your father’s doctor/oncologist who will take the appropriate action following examination.
ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM – AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. – MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.
It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.
The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
I add a link to a scientific paper published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 94, No. 10, 772, May 15, 2002 (© 2002 Oxford University Press), containing a discussion of this subject.
Hope this helps
matador 89
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