Does CPAP cause hiccups?

[spacewrench]

I hope to collect for/against opinions here, since searching the forum is inconclusive (it doesn't seem to be something everybody talks about, but it might be a thing that happens to at least some people.)

I've been on CPAP for a few months now, and it's mostly been positive, but I've had the hiccups for hours (HOURS!) on many more days than ever before.  (This never happened before I started CPAP, and although the hiccups aren't bad enough to keep me from sleeping, they generally last from when I wake up to when I go to bed, they break my concentration, interrupt my speech, cruft up the back of my throat, wake up my wife, and make me tired and annoyed.)

If you get the hiccups unreasonably often, please say so.

If there's a good reason to visit the doctor (considering that it'll cost me a really nice steak dinner to go and be told "gee, we don't know, but we could send you for testing") I'd be delighted to know what that is.

If you have a solution that's not "drink water," "hold your breath," "have somebody scare you" or something else from WebMD, don't keep it a secret!

[Jeff8356]

Hiccups may be caused by swallowing air (aerophagia) which seems to be common for some xPAP users. AB has a wiki page on it: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/Aerophagia
When my APAP pressure goes up fairly high I tend to get bloated (aerophagia) and belch frequently. I try pressing on my stomach with my hands to help expel the trapped air. Sometimes sitting in a chair and bending over to bring my knees into my belly works. Usually makes me feel somewhat better.

Something you should probably bring to your Dr's attention.

[Hydrangea]

I'm prone to hiccups in my life. But I've certainly not had more hiccups since starting CPAP therapy. In fact, I think I have hiccups less often now.

[Osiris357]

Hiccups may be caused by swallowing air

Really? I thought it was a diaphragm spasm. No?

[Jeff8356]

Hiccups may be caused by swallowing air

Really? I thought it was a diaphragm spasm. No?

The actual physical hiccup is a diaphragm spasm, but there is usually an underlying cause to initiate the spasm.  An excerpt from wikipedia:

Pathophysiological causes[edit]

• Swallowing air excessively[3]
  
  
• Gastroesophageal reflux[4]
  
  
• Hiatal hernia[5]
  
  
• Rapid eating[6]
  
  
• Carbonated beverages, alcohol, dry breads, and some spicy foods[7]
  
  
• Opiate drug use[8]
  
  
• Laughing[9]
  

Hiccups may be triggered by a number of common human conditions. In rare cases, they can be a sign of serious medical problems.

[jaswilliams]

I’ve not felt any change to my occurrences of hiccups

[Osiris357]

Oh ok, thanks jeff8356

[Janyn]

I have not gotten any hiccups from mine at all....

[Naoko5]

I’ve had my machine for two weeks & I noticed I was doing the hiccup thing & thought I wonder if it is associated with the machine. I think it is but I’m not too concerned-I can breathe at night!