Singultus: Avoiding a hiccup in care

Abstract

Hiccups (singultus) is often a benign, common and self- limited condition. A case of profound electrolyte disturbances presenting with chief complaint of hiccups is presented in which chlorpromazine was not administered and could have been problematic had it been given. For those who present to the ED with chief complaint of hiccups, it is critical to consider a life threatening etiology as the cause of their symptom. This case presents a potential pitfall in the management of singultus.

Keywords: Emergency department evaluation of hiccups; Emergency department evaluation of singultus; Hiccups; Hiccups with hyponatremia; Singultus; Singultus with hyponatremia.