Hiccup is a common symptom, and it is currently believed that hiccups result from diaphragmatic spasm, with onset ranging from minutes to days. Some patients may terminate on their own, or by ways such as gasping. For some patients with duration longer than 1 day, even longer than 2 days, medications may be needed, mainly: metoclopramide, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, etc. Acupuncture is also effective for some patients. Surgical treatment may be required for some clinically intractable hiccups. However, for the above interventions or treatment means, the current efficacy still needs to be improved.

In the previous clinical experience, we create a new physical clinic protocol which could terminate the hiccup symptom onset instantaneously without adding extra cost to the patient, and the physiotherapy method was convenient and effective. To further validate the superiority, safety of this novel physical therapy regimen, we designed a randomised controlled, prospective, single centre clinical study aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of the novel physical therapy with conventional pharmacotherapy in patients with hiccups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Able to swallow water

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy or contraindication to the following drugs: metoclopramide et al
• Severe choking on water and difficulty swallowing were present
• Impaired consciousness and inability to cooperate