The elderly frequent hiccups should be alert to digestive system diseases, brain lesions, some malignant tumors and other diseases.
1. Digestive system diseases:
(1) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as the reflux of gastric acid can cause irritation to the esophagus, which may cause the symptom of frequent hiccups.
(2) Gastric ulcer or dyspepsia, as the food cannot be fully digested, the undigested food is broken down by the bacteria to produce a large amount of gas, which can be discharged by burping.
(3) Gastric cancer, pyloric obstruction and other diseases, because the stomach contents can not be emptied normally, the pressure inside the stomach will increase, which will cause stomach bloating, hiccups and other symptoms.
2. Brain lesions: malignant tumor of the brain, meningitis, cerebral hemorrhage and other diseases, when the lesions involve the central nervous system of the brain, the nerve reflexes will be abnormal, causing frequent hiccups.
3. Some malignant tumors: lung cancer, liver cancer and other malignant tumors, the lesions can involve the diaphragm, making the diaphragm spasm, which can cause frequent hiccups.
If the elderly have frequent hiccups, they should go to the hospital in time for relevant examination, early diagnosis and early treatment.