Perspectives on the Medical, Quality of Life, and Economic Consequences of Hiccups

Purpose of Review: Singultus or hiccups (HU) is a common, usually temporary, event. Its potentially serious consequences are often overlooked. This review explores published evidence describing HU burden (clinical, economic, and quality of life [QoL] consequences) across patient populations. Recent Findings: Literature review identified 81 articles (including 57 individual case reports). We extracted relevant information to better understand the burden of HU and to identify knowledge gaps for future study. Summary: HU are physiologic events that can complicate existing medical conditions and treatments regardless of duration. Relatively short episodes can have devastating consequences in patients who have pre-existing conditions. HU appear to impact physical and psychological health, diminish QoL, increase healthcare resource use, and increase costs. A better understanding of HU burden is needed.