Hiccups and Heartburn: The Side Effects of Stomach Cancer and Its Treatment

Hiccups, or hiccoughs, are spasms or contractions that affect your diaphragm.

The diaphragm is a muscle located between your lungs and stomach that is used when you breathe. When the nerve controlling your diaphragm is irritated, the muscle suddenly contracts between normal breaths, making you hiccup.

Hiccups and gastric cancer

Irritation of this nerve can happen for various reasons, some of which are related to stomach (gastric) cancer. These include:

• Certain chemotherapy drugs, which can cause hiccups as a side effect
• Other drugs that can be used to treat cancer-related issues, such as anti-nausea medications and antibiotics
• Bloating and gas in the region of the stomach

Hiccups are typically a temporary problem that can be resolved within minutes to hours. However, if they last more than a few days, they are considered persistent. If they continue for over a month, they are considered intractable, which could signify a more serious issue.

How can I manage my hiccups?

Hiccups are usually temporary and will stop without any treatment. However, if you are suffering from a prolonged bout of persistent hiccups, ask your doctors if they can prescribe medication to help with your condition.

Apart from prescribed medication, here are some tips and home remedies people have found useful in managing their hiccups.

• Breathing slowly and deeply into a paper bag
• Drinking or sipping cold water very slowly
• Placing some drops of vinegar in your mouth
• Placing granulated sugar on your tongue and swallowing it

Heartburn refers to the burning sensation that you may feel in your throat, chest, or upper abdomen after eating or lying down. Also known as indigestion or acid reflux, this happens when the gastric acid in your stomach is forced up into your esophagus.

Heartburn and gastric cancer

Some causes of heartburn are related to stomach (gastric) cancer. These include:

• Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs and radiation to the chest or upper abdomen
• Chronic irritation of the lower esophagus from reflux may increase the risk of lower esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers.

How can I manage heartburn?

If you’re experiencing heartburn as a result of gastric cancer and/or its treatment, communicate this to your doctors. They can prescribe you antacids or other medication to help your condition.

On top of that, here are some ways you can manage heartburn at home:

• Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol
• Eat small meals frequently throughout the day, rather than three big meals
• Refrain from eating less than two to three hours before your bedtime
• Refrain from lying down immediately after a meal

Hiccups and heartburn may be two side effects that caregivers for people with gastric cancer encounter regularly. Here are some things caregivers can do to help:

• Monitor the patient to ensure that they drink enough fluids and are able to hold the liquids down.
• If the patient is taking medication for hiccups and heartburn, he/she may experience some dizziness. Caregivers need to watch them closely in case they need help with walking or getting up.

It may be a cause of concern if the hiccups or heartburn are persistent. Additionally, if you notice any worrying symptoms such as trouble breathing, eating, or swallowing, it is important to call your cancer care team right away. They can provide accurate guidance and information to help manage these symptoms and ensure the best possible care.