A Perspective on Hiccups When Under General Anesthesia

Neon Drek^*
*Correspondence: Neon Drek, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA, Email:

Introduction

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle, followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, resulting in a characteristic "hic" sound. They can occur in a variety of circumstances, including after eating, drinking carbonated beverages, or during emotional stress. However, hiccups can also occur when a person is under general anesthesia during surgery. This can be a cause of concern for both the patient and the medical staff involved in the surgery. In this perspective, we will discuss the treatment of hiccups during general anesthesia [1].

Description

Causes of hiccups during general anesthesia

There are several factors that can lead to hiccups during general anesthesia. One of the most common causes is the irritation of the diaphragm muscle due to the placement of a breathing tube during the surgery. The tube can rub against the diaphragm, leading to its contraction and the subsequent hiccups [2]. Additionally, the use of certain medications during anesthesia, such as muscle relaxants or opioids, can also cause hiccups.

Effects of hiccups during general anesthesia

While hiccups may seem harmless, they can have serious consequences when a patient is under general anesthesia. The diaphragm muscle is critical for proper breathing, and the repeated contractions caused by hiccups can interfere with the delivery of oxygen to the body [3,4]. This can lead to hypoxia, a condition where the body is not receiving enough oxygen. Hypoxia can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

Treatment of hiccups during general anesthesia

There are several approaches to treating hiccups during general anesthesia. One of the most common methods is to administer medications that can suppress the contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The most commonly used medication for this purpose is chlorpromazine, which is a sedative that can also help to relax the diaphragm muscle. Other medications that have been used to treat hiccups during general anesthesia include metoclopramide and baclofen.

Another approach to treating hiccups during general anesthesia is to change the position of the patient's body. This can involve adjusting the angle of the patient's head or torso, or even turning the patient onto their side. These maneuvers can help to relieve pressure on the diaphragm muscle and reduce the frequency of hiccups.

Finally, some medical staff may try to distract the patient from their hiccups during general anesthesia. This can involve playing music or engaging the patient in conversation, which can help to reduce their anxiety and divert their attention from the hiccups.

Prevention of hiccups during general anesthesia

Preventing hiccups during general anesthesia can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can be employed to reduce their likelihood. One approach is to avoid the use of certain medications that are known to cause hiccups, such as opioids or muscle relaxants. Additionally, the use of a smaller breathing tube during the surgery can reduce the likelihood of irritation to the diaphragm muscle [5].

Another strategy for preventing hiccups during general anesthesia is to ensure that the patient is properly hydrated before the surgery. Dehydration can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes, which can contribute to the development of hiccups. By ensuring that the patient is adequately hydrated, medical staff can help to reduce the likelihood of hiccups during general anesthesia.

Conclusion

Hiccups during general anesthesia can be a cause of concern for both patients and medical staff. They can interfere with the delivery of oxygen to the body and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. However, there are several approaches to treating hiccups during general anesthesia, including the use of medications, changing the position of the patient's body.

References

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